Importing Data

Karma allows you to import data from a variety of sources using the buttons at the top of the Karma screen.

You can import data from

Databases using Import Database Table
Files using Import File ...
Web APIs directly from a Karma worksheet
Specialized Services using Import from Service

Importing Data from Databases

Karma can import data from relational databases (MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle and PostGIS). When Karma imports data from a relational database it will load the first 1000 rows only. You can work with this sample of data to define and save a script that you can use later in batch mode (see Batch Mode).

When you click the Import Database Table button, Karma shows a dialogue like the one below. First, fill in the appropriate parameters to connect to your database and click the OK button. Then Karma will show you panel to browse the tables in your database where you can do the following:

Filter the list of tables shown by entering a keyword in the Choose Table: option.
Show a preview of the contents of a table by clicking on the Preview button.
Import the table into your workspace by clicking on the Import button.

When you import a table, the dialogue to import database tables remains on the screen so that you can import additional tables. Karma will show the imported table in your workspace as shown below. You can continue to import additional tables and when you are done click the Cancel or OK button to dismiss the window for importing databases (yes, we know, why have both OK and Cancel buttons if they simply dismiss the dialogue? We haven't gotten around to fix this).

Importing Files

Use the Import File ... command to import data from a file. Karma will prompt you to select the file you want to import and then show a menu where you can specify the type of file you are importing. Karma guesses the file type based on the extension of the file; correct it if necessary and click Submit. Karma will import the file or prompt you for additional information, depending on the file type.