---
title: "Structure of XML and CSV Files (Related Data)"
slug: "structure-of-xml-and-csv-files-related-data"
updated: 2025-02-04T15:39:40Z
published: 2025-02-04T15:39:40Z
canonical: "docs.mapp.com/structure-of-xml-and-csv-files-related-data"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Structure of XML and CSV Files (Related Data)

## **Introduction**

Files can be imported into a related data set using either XML or CSV formats. This document outlines the prerequisites, structure, and best practices for successfully importing data.

## **Prerequisites**

Before importing data, ensure that:

- For **CSV files**, the required columns must be created in the related data set beforehand.
- For **XML files**, both the structure and data can be added during the import process.
- The **column names are case-sensitive** and must exactly match between the import file and the Related Data table (e.g., `OrderID` and `orderid` are different).
- The **import file must contain at least one data column in addition to the key column**.
- The **import file must not contain more columns than the Related Data table**.
- The maximum length for **Related Data text columns** is **2,000 characters**, and for **searchable strings (used in segmentation)**, it is **200 characters**.

## **XML File Structure**

The XML file structure must align with the columns defined in the related data set.

### **Basic XML Example**

```xml
<relatedData>
    <row key="123456">
        <column name="Productname">Shoe</column>
        <column name="Date">11.01.2011</column>
        <column name="Price">10</column>
    </row>
    <row key="123457">
        <column name="Productname">Skirt</column>
        <column name="Date">15.01.2011</column>
        <column name="Price">20</column>
    </row>
</relatedData>
```

### **Metadata for XML File**

The `&lt;metadata&gt;` section defines the structure of the related data set, ensuring that column attributes are properly configured.

```xml
<relatedData>
    <metadata>
        <columnDefinition name="Productname" type="String" default="Shoe">
            <enum>Shoe</enum>
            <enum>Skirt</enum>
        </columnDefinition>
        <columnDefinition name="Date" type="date"/>
        <columnDefinition name="Price" type="String"/>
    </metadata>
    <row key="123456">
        <column name="Productname">Shoe</column>
        <column name="Date">11.01.2011</column>
        <column name="Price">10</column>
    </row>
    <row key="123457">
        <column name="Productname">Skirt</column>
        <column name="Date">15.01.2011</column>
        <column name="Price">20</column>
    </row>
</relatedData>
```

### **Data Type Attributes in XML**

- `number`: Accepts numeric values only.
- `date`: Accepts values in date formats such as:
  - `DD.MM.YYYY`
  - `YYYY-MM-DD`
  - `YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss`
  - ISO formats: `YYYY-MM-DD'T'HH:mm:ss`.
- `string`: Stores alphanumeric strings.
- `boolean`: Accepts `true`, `false`, or empty values.
- `enum`: Defines a list of acceptable values.

## **CSV File Structure**

CSV files must follow a specific format for successful import.

### **Key Considerations for CSV Files**

- The **first row** must contain column names that match the related data set.
- The **first column** serves as the identifier and is not created during structure setup.
- The field delimiter (e.g., `,` or `;`) must be properly configured.
- **Field values should be enclosed in quotes (**`" "`**)** to handle special characters.
- The correct **character encoding** must be set before import.

### **CSV Example**

```plaintext
Key, Purchase-ID, Article, Price
"123456","123","Jacket","179.95"
"123457","124","Shirt","99.95"
"123458","125","Trousers","119"
```