Setting Import and Export Parameters

Before importing data into or exporting data from a Hyperstage table, you must define the data format. You must set this parameter at the start of each session (that is, each time you connect to the Hyperstage server). Once set, the parameter will remain active during the connection time. You do not have to reset the parameter during the session unless you want to change the value.

Note: This parameter is specific to Hyperstage and not available in the standard MySQL distribution.

Data Format (Mandatory)

You must set the data format parameter (@bh_dataformat) before importing or exporting data. Possible values are variable-length text (txt_variable), binary format (binary), and standard MySQL format (mysql).

The default value for the @bh_dataformat parameter when exporting data is mysql. There is no default value when importing data.

Important: Exporting data using one of the Hyperstage formats (variable-length text or binary) is more efficient than exporting data using the standard MySQL format. If you use the MySQL format, the data will be exported by the original MySQL engine instead of Hyperstage.

To set the data format to variable-length text and use the Hyperstage Loader with text format, enter the following command:
```
mysql> set @bh_dataformat='txt_variable';
```
To set the data format to binary and use the Hyperstage Loader with the binary format, enter the following command:
```
mysql> set @bh_dataformat='binary';
```
To set the data format to the standard MySQL format and use the MySQL Loader, enter the following command:
```
mysql> set @bh_dataformat='mysql'; 
```

Note: The Hyperstage Loader (@bh_dataformat='txt_variable' or 'binary') can only be used to import or export data to and from Hyperstage tables. The MySQL Loader (@bh_dataformat='mysql') works on both Hyperstage and MyISAM tables.