Table structure differences

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 33 views

Introduction

Pgloader is a powerful tool for migrating data from various databases to PostgreSQL. However, users have reported issues where pgloader only creates table columns but fails to copy the table data. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.

Understanding the Problem

When migrating data from a Microsoft SQL Server database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader, users have reported that the tool only creates the correct column names but fails to copy the table data. This issue can be frustrating, especially when dealing with large datasets.

Possible Causes

Before we dive into the solution, let's explore the possible causes of this issue:

Incorrect configuration: Pgloader requires a configuration file to specify the source and target databases, as well as the tables to be migrated. If the configuration file is incorrect, it may lead to issues with data migration.
Data type mismatch: Pgloader may encounter issues when dealing with data types that are not supported or are not compatible between the source and target databases.
Table structure differences: If the table structure differs between the source and target databases, pgloader may fail to migrate the data correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution

To resolve the issue of pgloader only creating table columns but not copying the table data, follow these steps:

Step 1: Verify the Configuration File

The first step is to verify the configuration file used by pgloader. Make sure that the configuration file is correct and specifies the source and target databases, as well as the tables to be migrated.

Example Configuration File

source:
  host: 'localhost'
  database: 'mssql_database'
  user: 'mssql_user'
  password: 'mssql_password'

target:
  host: 'localhost'
  database: 'postgres_database'
  user: 'postgres_user'
  password: 'postgres_password'

tables:
  - table: 'mssql_table'
    columns:
      - column: 'id'
        type: 'integer'
      - column: 'name'
        type: 'varchar(255)'

Step 2: Check Data Type Mismatch

Next, check if there are any data type mismatches between the source and target databases. Pgloader may encounter issues when dealing with data types that are not supported or are not compatible between the two databases.

Data Type Mapping

Source Data Type	Target Data Type
int	integer
varchar(255)	varchar(255)
datetime	timestamp

Step 3: Verify Table Structure

Verify that the table structure is the same between the source and target databases. If the table structure differs, pgloader may fail to migrate the data correctly.

Table Structure Comparison

Column Name	Source Data Type	Target Data Type
id	int	integer
name	varchar(255)	varchar(255)

Step 4: Use the `--verbose` Option

Use the --verbose option with pgloader to enable verbose mode. This will provide more detailed information about the migration process, including any errors that may occur.

Example Command

pgloader --verbose --config=pgloader.yml

Step 5: Check the Log File

Check the log file generated by pgloader to identify any errors that may have occurred during the migration process.

Example Log File

2023-02-28 14:30:00 INFO: Starting migration process
2023-02-28 14:30:00 INFO: Loading table 'mssql_table'
2023-02-28 14:30:00 ERROR: Data type mismatch: 'datetime' is not supported

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of pgloader only creating table columns but not copying the table data can be resolved by verifying the configuration file, checking data type mismatches, verifying table structure, using the --verbose option, and checking the log file. By following these steps, you can successfully migrate data from a Microsoft SQL Server database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader.

Troubleshooting Tips

Check the pgloader documentation: The pgloader documentation provides detailed information about the tool, including configuration options and troubleshooting tips.
Use the --help option: The --help option provides detailed information about the pgloader command-line options.
Check the log file: The log file generated by pgloader provides detailed information about the migration process, including any errors that may occur.

Migrating Data from MySQL to PostgreSQL using Pgloader: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to migrate data from a MySQL database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader.
Migrating Data from Oracle to PostgreSQL using Pgloader: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to migrate data from an Oracle database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader.
Pgloader Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers ===========================================================

Introduction

Pgloader is a powerful tool for migrating data from various databases to PostgreSQL. However, users may have questions and concerns about using pgloader. In this article, we will provide answers to frequently asked questions about pgloader.

Q: What is pgloader?

A: Pgloader is a tool for migrating data from various databases to PostgreSQL. It supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and more.

Q: What are the benefits of using pgloader?

A: The benefits of using pgloader include:

Easy data migration: pgloader makes it easy to migrate data from one database to another.
Support for multiple databases: pgloader supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and more.
Flexible configuration: pgloader allows you to configure the migration process to suit your needs.
High-performance migration: pgloader is designed to migrate data quickly and efficiently.

Q: How do I install pgloader?

A: To install pgloader, follow these steps:

Download the pgloader package: Download the pgloader package from the official pgloader website.
Install the package: Install the package using your package manager (e.g., apt-get, yum, etc.).
Verify the installation: Verify that pgloader is installed correctly by running the pgloader --version command.

Q: How do I configure pgloader?

A: To configure pgloader, follow these steps:

Create a configuration file: Create a configuration file (e.g., pgloader.yml) that specifies the source and target databases, as well as the tables to be migrated.
Specify the source and target databases: Specify the source and target databases in the configuration file.
Specify the tables to be migrated: Specify the tables to be migrated in the configuration file.
Save the configuration file: Save the configuration file.

Q: How do I migrate data using pgloader?

A: To migrate data using pgloader, follow these steps:

Run the pgloader command: Run the pgloader command with the configuration file as an argument (e.g., pgloader --config=pgloader.yml).
Verify the migration: Verify that the data has been migrated correctly by checking the target database.

Q: What are the common issues with pgloader?

A: The common issues with pgloader include:

Data type mismatch: pgloader may encounter issues when dealing with data types that are not supported or are not compatible between the source and target databases.
Table structure differences: pgloader may fail to migrate the data correctly if the table structure differs between the source and target databases.
Configuration file issues: pgloader may encounter issues if the configuration file is incorrect or incomplete.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with pgloader?

A: To troubleshoot issues with pgloader, follow these steps:

Check the log file: Check the log file generated by pgloader to identify any errors that may have occurred during the migration process.
Verify the configuration file: Verify that the configuration file is correct and complete.
Check the data types: Check the data types used in the source and target databases to ensure that they are compatible.
Check the table structure: Check the table structure in the source and target databases to ensure that it is the same.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pgloader is a powerful tool for migrating data from various databases to PostgreSQL. By understanding the benefits and limitations of pgloader, as well as troubleshooting common issues, you can successfully migrate data using pgloader.

Migrating Data from MySQL to PostgreSQL using Pgloader: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to migrate data from a MySQL database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader.
Migrating Data from Oracle to PostgreSQL using Pgloader: This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to migrate data from an Oracle database to a PostgreSQL database using pgloader.