# Importing and exporting data

You can import and export large amounts of data between files and the Derby database. Instead of having to use INSERT and SELECT statements, you can use Derby system procedures to import data directly from files into tables and to export data from tables into files.

The Derby system procedures import and export data in delimited data file format.

- Use the export system procedures to write data from a database to one or more files that are stored outside of the database. You can use a procedure to export data from a table into a file or export data from a SELECT statement result into a file.
- Use the import system procedures to import data from a file into a table. If the target table already contains data, you can replace or append to the existing data.

- Methods for running the import and export procedures
  You can run the import and export procedures from within an SQL statement using ij or any Java application.
- Bulk import and export requirements and considerations
  There are requirements and limitations that you must consider before you use the Derby import and export procedures.
- Bulk import and export of large objects
  You can import and export large objects (LOBs) using the Derby system procedures.
- File format for input and output
  There are specific requirements for the format of the input and output files when you import and export data.
- Importing data using the built-in procedures
  You can use the Derby import procedures to import all of the data from a table or query, or to import LOB data separately from the other data.
- Exporting data using the built-in procedures
  You can use the Derby export procedures to export all of the data from table or query, or to export LOB data separately from the other data.
- Examples of bulk import and export
  All of the examples in this section are run using the ij utility.
- Running import and export procedures from JDBC
  You can run import and export procedures from a JDBC program.
- How the import and export procedures process NULL values
  In a delimited file, a NULL value is exported as an empty field.
- CODESET values for import and export procedures
  Import and export procedures accept arguments to specify codeset values. You can specify the codeset (character encoding) for import and export procedures to override the system default.

Parent topic: Part Two: Derby Administration Guide
Related concepts
Maintaining database integrity
Checking database consistency
Backing up and restoring databases
Replicating databases
Logging on a separate device
Obtaining locking information
Reclaiming unused space