Markus,
If we want to ensure the lowest possible barrier for providers, then I think zipped csv files need to be supported. If we really want to handle complex data using the same format, then we need something like the csv star scheme you mentioned (with well-defined rules about all files and how the records are related).
The limitation in this case is that we would only handle one-level relationships (not a generic solution) and providers with complex data would probably need to write some code to generate the dumps (not sure how many providers would do it) - unless wrappers that can handle complex data implement additional functionality to produce these dumps.
On the other hand, if we allow more than one format, complex data could be handled with compact XML representations (in a generic way) which could be automatically produced by existing wrappers.
So my understanding is that the biggest decision is: Use a single format (csv) with additional rules for complex data, or allow different formats (one for simple and another for complex data).
Although I know it's usually much better for clients to deal with a single format, my *feeling* in this case is that it would be more effective to allow different formats. I'm also not sure if it would be easier for clients to handle additional star scheme rules when importing complex data than it would be to parse a single XML file encoded in some compact structure.
Just some thoughts...
Best Regards, -- Renato
On 20 May 2008 at 17:36, Markus Döring wrote:
Renato, complex data can also be represented by tab files, with a file for each extension that has a pointer in the first column. That is what we originally had in mind with the star scheme.
Markus