Import CSV to MySQL In 4 Easy Steps
Tags: csv, excel, tutorial, database
Published: 2024-07-03 06:26:26

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Importing CSV into MySQL: A Beginner's Guide</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Are you looking to convert your CSV files into a MySQL database? You're in the right place! In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of importing your CSV data into MySQL, making it simple and accessible for beginners.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>No need to worry about coding experience – this guide is tailored for everyone, regardless of technical background.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>To make the process faster, we'll be using Five's free trial to build. Before we dive in, ensure you've signed up and <a href="https://five.co/get-started/">access Five for free.</a></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->


<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:tadv/classic-paragraph -->
<div style="background-color: #001524; text-align: left;"><hr style="height: 5px;">
<pre style="text-align: center; overflow: hidden; white-space: pre-line;"><span style="color: #f1ebda; background-color: #4588d8; font-size: calc(18px + 0.390625vw);"><strong>Go From CSV to MySQL Database</strong>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Convert Spreadsheets to Web Apps with Five<br></span></span></pre>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://five.co/get-started/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><button style="background-color: #f8b92b; border: none; color: black; padding: 20px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; display: inline-block; font-size: 18px; cursor: pointer; margin: 4px 2px; border-radius: 5px;"><strong>Get Instant Access</strong></button></a></p>
<hr style="height: 5px;"></div>
<!-- /wp:tadv/classic-paragraph -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Step-by-Step Guide: Import CSV to MySQL</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 1: Prepare Your CSV Data</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The first step in importing CSV data into MySQL is to ensure your spreadsheet is properly formatted. Follow these tips for optimal results:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<ol><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Clear Headers</strong>: Ensure each column has a descriptive header.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Remove Empty Rows/Columns</strong>: Clean up any unnecessary blank spaces.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Consistent Data Format</strong>: Make sure all data is consistently formatted, especially dates.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Save as CSV</strong>: Export your file in CSV format for compatibility.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ol>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Example:</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:table -->
<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Product</strong></td><td><strong>Price</strong></td><td><strong>Quantity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Product 1</td><td>4.99</td><td>100</td></tr><tr><td>Product 2</td><td>5.99</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Product 3</td><td>100.99</td><td>58</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<!-- /wp:table -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Excel Cleanup Tips:</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>TRIM</strong>: Remove leading, trailing, and extra spaces.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>CLEAN</strong>: Remove nonprintable characters.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>PROPER</strong>: Convert text to proper case.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>After cleaning up your data, save your spreadsheet as a CSV file.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 2: Create a MySQL Database</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Next, you need to create a new MySQL database to house your data. With Five, this process is straightforward:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<ol><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Sign Up for Five</strong>: Start by signing up for free access to Five in your web browser. You'll be welcomed by this screen.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ol>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":3209,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Landing-Page-1024x649-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3209"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Create a New Application</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Navigate to <strong>Applications</strong>.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Click on the yellow Plus icon to create a new application.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Title your application (e.g., “CSV to MySQL”) and save it.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":3210,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Excel-to-Web-App-Manage-1-1024x646-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3210"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 3: Import CSV Data into MySQL</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>With your database ready, it’s time to import your CSV file. Five provides an easy-to-use interface for this task.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Access Database Management</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Click the blue <strong>Manage</strong> button near the Five logo.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":3211,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Excel-to-Web-App-Manage-1-1024x646-1-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3211"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Navigate to <strong>Data</strong> and select <strong>Table Wizard</strong>.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3212,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Table-Wizard-1024x649-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3212"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Creating Your Database Table</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Name Your Table</strong>: Choose a name, such as “Inventory.”</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Add Database Fields</strong>:<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Field 1: "Product" (text, size 100)</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Field 2: "Price" (float, display type: float.2)</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Field 3: "Quantity" (integer)</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Field 4: "Total" (used for calculations)</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Save the table setup.</li>

<!-- wp:image {"id":3213,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Excel-to-Web-App-Database-Fields-1024x626-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3213"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Import Data from CSV</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Ensure your data is saved as a CSV file.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Go to <strong>Data &gt; Tables</strong> and click on <strong>Import CSV into Table</strong>. <a href="https://five.co/download/source/Inventory.csv">This is the CSV file we use.</a></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":3214,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Data-Import-1024x650-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3214"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Select the "Inventory" table from the dropdown menu.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Upload your CSV file and map fields. Five will automatically match fields if names are consistent.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>For the "Total" field, select <strong>Not Imported</strong>.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Click the Tick mark to complete the data upload.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3215,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Excel-to-Web-App-CSV-Import-2048x1292-1-1024x646-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3215"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 4: Adding a Form and Previewing Your Application</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Once your data is imported, create a form and preview your application.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Access Form Wizard</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Go to <strong>Visual &gt; Form Wizard</strong>.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3217,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Form-Wizard-1024x650-1-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3217"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Select "Inventory" as your main table.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Save the form setup.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3218,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Form-Wizard-Creating-a-form-1024x656-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3218"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Preview Your Application</strong>:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<ol><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ol>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Click the <strong>Run</strong> button at the top right corner. If not visible, deploy to development (this might take a few minutes).</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li>Your application should display a fully auto-generated front-end for your MySQL database, featuring:<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Menu</strong>: Navigation on the left side.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Search Bar</strong>: Quickly find records.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Filter Options</strong>: Refine data views.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>CRUD Operations</strong>: Add, edit, or delete records through the interface.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>


<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>By following these steps, you’ve successfully imported CSV data to MySQL and created an interactive web application interface using Five.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3219,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-Excel-to-Web-App-First-Look-at-the-Application-1024x655-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3219"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Next Steps: Enhancing Your Application</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Congratulations on importing your CSV to MySQL and creating a web interface. Here are some additional steps to further enhance your application:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} -->
<ol><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong><a href="https://five.co/blog/add-a-calculation-to-your-web-app/">Part 2: Import CSV to MySQL – Calculating a Field</a></strong></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong><a href="https://five.co/blog/make-your-application-look-good-themes/">Part 3: Import CSV to MySQL – Adding a Theme</a></strong></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong><a href="https://five.co/blog/how-to-make-a-multiuser-app-in-2-steps/">Part 4: Import CSV to MySQL – Adding Logins to Your App</a></strong></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong><a href="https://five.co/blog/charts-dashboards/">Part 5: Import CSV to MySQL – Creating Charts and Dashboards</a></strong></li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ol>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>For more inspiration and examples, visit the Five<a href="https://five.co/use-cases/"> Use Cases</a> page or continue following our tutorial series.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":3220,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://five.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Five.Co-SQL-Dashboard-1-1024x576-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3220"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:separator -->
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<!-- /wp:separator -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Resources</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>If you need further assistance during the development process, here are some valuable resources:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:list -->
<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Five’s User Community</strong>: Visit <a href="https://five.org">Five.org</a> to ask questions and get inspiration.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item -->

<!-- wp:list-item -->
<li><strong>Five’s Documentation</strong>: Access comprehensive documentation at <a href="https://help.five.org">help.five.org</a>.</li>
<!-- /wp:list-item --></ul>
<!-- /wp:list -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to import data from CSV to MySQL and create a web application. Happy coding!</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->