How to Export ParadeDB Tables to CSV in PostgreSQL

How do I export a ParadeDB table to CSV in PostgreSQL?

COPY lets you export any ParadeDB table or query result straight to a CSV file on the server.

Welcome to the Galaxy, Guardian!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Description

Why export ParadeDB tables to CSV?

CSV is a universal interchange format. Exporting from ParadeDB with COPY lets you move data into spreadsheets, BI tools, or other databases without additional ETL steps.

What is the exact COPY syntax?

Use COPY table_name [ (column_list) ] TO 'file_path' WITH (FORMAT csv, HEADER boolean, DELIMITER char, FORCE_QUOTE col_list).

How do I export a ParadeDB table step-by-step?

Step 1: Pick a safe server path

Ensure the Postgres user has write permission to the target directory, e.g., /var/lib/postgresql/exports/.

Step 2: Run the COPY command

Execute COPY from psql or your SQL editor. Include HEADER for column names and quote settings for clean output.

Which options matter most?

HEADER true writes column names. DELIMITER defaults to a comma but can change to \t for TSV. FORCE_QUOTE keeps text columns quoted, preventing embedded commas from breaking rows.

How can I export filtered data only?

Wrap your SELECT inside COPY: COPY (SELECT * FROM Products WHERE stock > 0) TO 'in_stock_products.csv' WITH (FORMAT csv, HEADER);

What are best practices?

Create an exports directory owned by the postgres OS user. Use absolute paths. Sanitize file names via format('%I_%s.csv', table_name, to_char(now(),'YYYYMMDD')) to automate backups.

What are common mistakes?

Omitting HEADER causes column misalignment in Excel. Writing to a path without permissions raises “could not open file” errors.

Can I export to the client machine?

Use \copy in psql which streams data to your local shell rather than the server, e.g., \copy Customers TO 'customers.csv' CSV HEADER.

Why How to Export ParadeDB Tables to CSV in PostgreSQL is important

How to Export ParadeDB Tables to CSV in PostgreSQL Example Usage


COPY (SELECT o.id, c.email, o.order_date, o.total_amount
      FROM Orders o
      JOIN Customers c ON c.id = o.customer_id
      WHERE o.order_date >= CURRENT_DATE - INTERVAL '30 days')
TO '/var/lib/postgresql/exports/recent_orders.csv'
WITH (FORMAT csv, HEADER);

How to Export ParadeDB Tables to CSV in PostgreSQL Syntax


COPY [table_name | (SELECT ...)] TO '/absolute/server/path/file.csv'
    WITH (
        FORMAT csv,
        HEADER [true|false],
        DELIMITER ',' ,
        QUOTE '"',
        FORCE_QUOTE [* | column_list]
    );
-- Example with ecommerce tables
COPY (SELECT id, name, price FROM Products ORDER BY id)
    TO '/var/lib/postgresql/exports/products.csv'
    WITH (FORMAT csv, HEADER, DELIMITER ',', FORCE_QUOTE name);

Common Mistakes

Using a relative path. COPY writes on the server, so './file.csv' fails unless PostgreSQL's working directory matches your expectation. Always supply an absolute path.
Running COPY without sufficient privileges. Only superusers or users with the pg_write_server_files role can export. Grant the role or use \copy from psql instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I include only specific columns?

Yes. List the columns after the table name or use a SELECT inside COPY to project only the columns you need.

How do I change the delimiter to a tab?

Set DELIMITER '\t' in the WITH clause. Most spreadsheet tools automatically detect TSV files.

Is there a way to compress the CSV on the fly?

PostgreSQL 15+ supports PROGRAM, so you can pipe COPY output to gzip: COPY Products TO PROGRAM 'gzip > /exports/products.csv.gz' WITH (FORMAT csv, HEADER);