17.6 Loading Multiple Files Including ZIPs

Load employee data from multiple uploaded files, including ZIP archives, using Data Load Definitions and PL/SQL.

Suppose HR representatives need to load external employee data from multiple files at a time. They work with different supplier systems that provide the data in Excel format, CSV, JSON, and XML. Sometimes multiple files arrive in a ZIP archive. A Load Employees page in the Woods HR app can meet this requirement by combining:

• Data Load Definitions for each kind of source file (Excel, CSV, JSON, and XML)
• A File Upload page item with Allow Multiple Files enabled
• A custom EMPLOYEES_FROM_FILES procedure that uses:
  • A FOR loop over the uploaded files, calling
  • APEX_DATA_LOADING package to load data using a Data Load Definition, and
  • APEX_ZIP package to process the contents of a ZIP file

• Adding XML, CSV, JSON Data Load Definitions
  Add Data Load Definitions for XML, CSV, and JSON files that all load into the same target table.
• Setting File Upload to Handle Multiple Files
  Configure a File Upload item for multiple files and track processing results in hidden page items.
• Processing Multiple Uploaded Files
  Process multiple uploaded files with PL/SQL that chooses the right Data Load Definition and expands ZIP archives.
• Uploading Multiple Data Load Files
  Upload multiple employee data files and load them together, including files inside ZIP archives.