Prepare Data Files

The Bulk API processes records in comma-separated values (CSV) files, XML files, or JSON files.

For best performance, Salesforce recommends the following order of preference for data files: CSV, JSON, XML.

For information about loading records containing binary attachments, see Load Binary Attachments.

For information about loading data from third-party sources, see Map Data Fields.

  • Find Field Names

    After you set up your client, you can build client applications that use the Bulk API. Use the following sample to create a client application. Each section steps through part of the code. The complete sample is included at the end.

  • Valid Date Format in Records

    Specify the right format for dateTime and date fields.

  • Prepare CSV Files

    The first row in a CSV file lists the field names for the object that you’re processing. Each subsequent row corresponds to a record in Salesforce. A record consists of a series of fields that are delimited by commas. A CSV file can contain multiple records and constitutes a batch.

  • Prepare XML and JSON Files

    The Bulk API processes records in XML, JSON, or CSV files. An XML or JSON file can contain multiple records and constitutes a batch. A record in an XML file is defined in an sObjects tag.