PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and perform various operations on a Windows system. One common task is to load data into a SQL Server database from PowerShell. In this article, we will explore three methods that you can use to import data into SQL Server from PowerShell.

Method 1: Export-CSV/BULK INSERT

The first method involves using the Export-CSV cmdlet in PowerShell to create a CSV file from the output of a PowerShell command or script. Once the CSV file is created, you can use the BULK INSERT command in SQL Server to load the data into a table. This method is simple and fast, especially when dealing with large datasets.

Method 2: XML/XMLBulkLoad

The second method involves converting the output of a PowerShell command or script into XML format. You can use the SQLXMLBulkLoad utility to load the XML data into SQL Server. This method allows for automatic creation of the table based on an XSD schema file and is useful when the data is already in XML format or when you need to store the data in XML files.

Method 3: DataTable/SQLBulkCopy

The third method involves converting the output of a PowerShell command or script into a DataTable object. You can then use the SQLBulkCopy class in .NET to load the data into SQL Server. This method is ideal for smaller result sets or when the data is already in DataTable format.

Each method has its pros and cons, and the best method to use depends on your specific requirements and the nature of the data you are working with. It is important to consider factors such as data size, file management, and the need for automatic table creation when choosing a method.

Overall, PowerShell provides several options for importing data into SQL Server, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer CSV files, XML files, or DataTable objects, PowerShell has you covered.

Happy scripting!