How do you use Ruby CSV converters?

Question

Suppose you have the following file:

textfield,datetimefield,numfield
foo,2008-07-01 17:50:55.004688,1
bar,2008-07-02 17:50:55.004688,2

The Rub

Answer 1

You are asking how to use converters.

My example defines the usage of a new converter mytime. The converter my_time tries to build a time object if possible.

#Define test data
src = < true, :converters => [:mytime])
csv.each do |row|
  print "#{row}"
  the_date = row['datetimefield'].to_date
end

Using this technique, you may also define a converter to create a date from time-like strings. This solution also keeps all other converters.

#define test data
src = < true, :converters => CSV::Converters.keys + [:time2date])
csv.each do |row|
  print "#{row}"
  p row['datetimefield'] #Date-field
end