Using SQLBulkCopy to Insert/Update database

Question

I have a datatable with the records.I'm inserting records into Sql table using SqlBulkCopy.It works fine.Next time when get the datatable with same records with few changed values SqlBulkCopy is inserting another set of records without updating the previous details.How can I update the Sql table using SqlBulkCopy ?? Please help.

Thanks, Vix

Answer 1

SqlBulkCopy is only used for inserting records, not updating them as explained here. You'd need to use a different technique to do bulk updates.

e.g. you could SqlBulkCopy into a staging table, then run some SQL to update from there to the main table.

Answer 2

Truncate the table and perform Bulkcopy.

Answer 3

Avoid Truncate table and Create a new temporary table, which BTW consume more space and memory.

I created a Trigger with INSTEAD OF INSERT and use inside MERGE statement.

But don't forget add the parameter SqlBulkCopyOptions.FireTriggers in the SqlBulkCopy.

This is my two cents.

Answer 4

Like mentioned by AdaTheDev, SqlBulkCopy can only insert however there is an alternative library which allow to perform Upsert operations.

Disclaimer: I'm the owner of the project Bulk Operations

The Bulk Operations library has a method "BulkMerge" which Insert or Update rows based on the specified key.

var bulk = new BulkOperation(connection);

bulk.ColumnMappings.Add("ID", true);
bulk.ColumnMappings.Add("Column1");
bulk.ColumnMappings.Add("Column2");
bulk.ColumnMappings.Add("Column3");

bulk.BulkMerge(dt);