The STRIP_OUTER_ARRAY parameter in the COPY INTO <table> command is used when loading data from a JSON file into a table. This parameter removes the outer array structure from the JSON data and loads separate rows of data into the table.
* Understanding the STRIP_OUTER_ARRAY Parameter:
* JSON files often contain data in an array format where multiple records are nested within a single outer array.
* The STRIP_OUTER_ARRAY parameter helps in simplifying the loading process by removing this outer array, allowing each element within the array to be loaded as a separate row in the target table.
* How It Works:
* When the STRIP_OUTER_ARRAY parameter is set to TRUE, Snowflake treats each item within the outer array as an individual record.
* This eliminates the need for additional parsing or transformation steps that would otherwise be required to handle nested arrays.
* Example Usage:
FROM @my_stage/file.json
FILE_FORMAT = (TYPE = 'JSON' STRIP_OUTER_ARRAY = TRUE);
* In this example, the JSON file containing an array of objects is loaded into the table my_table.
* Each object within the array is loaded as a separate row, without the outer array structure.
* Benefits:
* Simplifies data loading: By removing the outer array, the data is directly loaded into the table without additional manipulation.
* Enhances performance: Streamlines the loading process, reducing the complexity and potential errors in handling nested JSON structures.
References:
* Snowflake Documentation: COPY INTO <table>
* Snowflake Documentation: JSON File Format Options