How to import a CSV file into Django

Recently I downloaded a US zip code data file in comma separated (CSV) format. Below are the steps and python script that I used to import that data into a django model for my site Wantbox.com.

The Steps to Import CSV Data into Django:

1. Create your django model (mine is called “ZipCode”, see below).
2. Create a python script called “load_data.py” with your correct django project and directory info (see mine below).
3. Put the CSV file and “load_data.py” script in the same directory.
4. From that directory run: python ./load_data.py”

That’s it. For a CSV file with about 42,000 rows this import took about 15 seconds. You can verify that the data loaded correctly by checking your django admin.

My CSV File

ZIPCODE, CITY, STATECODE, STATENAME
02111, BOSTON, MA, MASSACHUSETTS
02481, WELLESLEY HILLS, MA, MASSACHUSETTS
05819, ST. JOHNSBURY, VT, VERMONT
etc...

My Django “ZipCode” model:

import datetime

class ZipCode(models.Model):
    zipcode = models.CharField(max_length=5)
    city = models.CharField(max_length=64)
    statecode = models.CharField(max_length=2)
    statename = models.CharField(max_length=32)
    create_date = models.DateTimeField(default=datetime.datetime.now)

    def __unicode__(self):
        return "%s, %s (%s)" % (self.city, self.statecode, self.zipcode) 

    class Meta:
        ordering = ['zipcode']

My “load_data.py” Python script:

# Full path and name to your csv file
csv_filepathname="/home/mitch/projects/wantbox.com/wantbox/zips/data/zipcodes.csv"
# Full path to your django project directory
your_djangoproject_home="/home/mitch/projects/wantbox.com/wantbox/"

import sys,os
sys.path.append(your_djangoproject_home)
os.environ['DJANGO_SETTINGS_MODULE'] = 'settings'

from zips.models import ZipCode

import csv
dataReader = csv.reader(open(csv_filepathname), delimiter=',', quotechar='"')

for row in dataReader:
if row[0] != 'ZIPCODE': # Ignore the header row, import everything else
zipcode = ZipCode()
zipcode.zipcode = row[0]
zipcode.city = row[1]
zipcode.statecode = row[2]
zipcode.statename = row[3]
zipcode.save()

Importing a TSV File (tab separated values) into a Django Model
This script will work for importing Excel TSV files into Django as well. Simply change the python script’s “dataReader” line to this:

dataReader = csv.reader(open(csv_filepathname), dialect='excel-tab')

About Wantbox
Wantbox is a consumer information website where users publish the things they want and other users supply purchasing recommendations, reviews and typical costs. The service covers a wide variety of consumer and business products and services. On Wantbox you can find someone to remove ice dams, remove a fallen tree limb or help you install new hardwood floors.