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What is a CSV?
A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a simple and universal file format used to store tabular data. These files store information in a plain text format where each line represents a row of data, and values within each row are separated by commas. CSVs are widely used for data exchange between different systems and applications due to their simplicity and compatibility.
Why would you want to find and replace values within your CSV data?
When working with CSV data, you may need to standardize, correct, or update values across multiple records efficiently. Here are several reasons why you might need this functionality:
- Clean up inconsistent data entries (e.g., different spellings of company names)
- Standardize formatting across fields (e.g., phone numbers or dates)
- Update outdated information in bulk
- Remove unwanted characters or formatting
- Convert values to match new naming conventions
- Normalize data for better reporting and analysis
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Pull from CSV file
Find & replace
How to use CSVs with Parabola
Parabola's ability to digest CSVs allows you to automate your data cleaning and standardization processes with ease. Here's why this combination is powerful:
- No coding required for complex data transformations
- Visual workflow builder makes it easy to understand your data process
- Real-time preview of your data at every step
- Automated scheduling of your data processes
- Seamless integration between your CSV data and the other data you use every day
Retrieving data from CSVs
In Parabola, retrieving data from CSV files is straightforward and flexible. The platform automatically handles different CSV formats and allows you to import data from various sources, including cloud storage and local files.
Key features
- Automatic column type detection
- Support for different delimiter types
- Handling of escaped characters and special formatting
- Multiple file import capabilities
- Error handling and validation
How to use
- Add the Pull from CSV step to your Flow
- Select your CSV file source
- Configure column settings if needed
- Preview your data to ensure correct formatting
- Connect to subsequent steps for further processing
How to find and replace with Parabola
The find and replace functionality in Parabola allows you to make systematic changes to your data using simple rules. This powerful feature can transform your data according to your specific needs without requiring complex formulas or coding.
Key features
- Multiple find and replace rules in a single step
- Case-sensitive matching options
- Bulk operations across multiple columns
- Preview of changes before applying
- Find and replace values in entire cells or values in any part of the cell
How to use
- Add the Find & replace step to the Canvas
- Select the columns to apply the rule to
- Create your first find and replace rule
- Add additional rules as needed
- Preview the results to confirm the changes
Practical use cases and examples
Standardizing company names
When dealing with user-entered company names, you might have variations like "IBM", "I.B.M.", and "International Business Machines." Using find and replace, you can standardize these entries to a single format across your database.
Formatting phone numbers
Customer phone numbers often come in various formats. You can use find and replace to standardize all phone numbers to a consistent format, such as (XXX) XXX-XXXX, making your data more professional and easier to work with.
Cleaning up special characters
Sometimes CSV exports contain unwanted special characters or formatting. You can use find and replace to remove these characters, ensuring your data is clean and ready for further processing or analysis.
By combining Parabola's Pull from CSV and Find & replace steps, you can create powerful data transformation Flows that automatically clean and standardize your HubSpot data. This automation saves time, reduces errors, and ensures consistency across your data operations.
