How Can SqlBulkCopy Optimize DataTable Database Inserts?

Accelerating DataTable Database Inserts with SqlBulkCopy

Inserting large datasets row-by-row into a database is notoriously slow. This article demonstrates a far more efficient method: using SqlBulkCopy to insert an entire DataTable at once.

SqlBulkCopy: Bulk Data Insertion for Enhanced Performance

SqlBulkCopy, a class within the .NET System.Data.SqlClient namespace, enables high-speed bulk data insertion. It significantly outperforms individual row insertions by optimizing data transfer and minimizing database interactions.

Implementation: A Practical Example

Utilizing SqlBulkCopy requires a database connection and a properly configured SqlBulkCopy object. The following code snippet illustrates the process:

using (var bulkCopy = new SqlBulkCopy(_connection.ConnectionString, SqlBulkCopyOptions.KeepIdentity))
{
    // Assumes DataTable and SQL table columns have matching names.
    foreach (DataColumn col in table.Columns)
    {
        bulkCopy.ColumnMappings.Add(col.ColumnName, col.ColumnName);
    }

    bulkCopy.BulkCopyTimeout = 600; // Timeout in seconds
    bulkCopy.DestinationTableName = destinationTableName;
    bulkCopy.WriteToServer(table);
}

Addressing Column Mapping Discrepancies

The above example assumes identical column names between the DataTable and the SQL table. If this isn't the case, you'll need to explicitly define column mappings within the ColumnMappings collection to ensure accurate data insertion.

This method proves especially beneficial when inserting large datasets with fewer columns than the target SQL table. Unmatched columns will automatically default to NULL values. By employing SqlBulkCopy, you dramatically improve DataTable insertion performance, avoiding the performance bottlenecks of iterative row-by-row methods.

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