CSV header validation using supercsv

Question

How can I validate that the data of CSV file contains headers? I am using supercsv and Java. My csv file contains;

ACCOUNT,NAME,PHONE (header) <--- validation needed, all headers must present Checking,John,1122222222 (data)

Saving,Carl,1234567891 (data)

Thank you for your help.

Welcome to StackOverflow :) As @fge says, you really should document what you've tried. It makes it easier for others to answer, and you're more likely to get an upvote on your question. — James Bassett
– James Bassett, Commented Jan 21, 2013 at 2:15

James Bassett · Accepted Answer · 2013-01-21 10:02:52Z

7

If you don't know what the header values are beforehand, there's no way to know if the first line is a header or not (it just looks like another data line).

If you do know what the header values should be, then you could simply make sure that all the expected columns are there (it doesn't matter what order, as long as they're there).

For example

List<String> expectedHeaders = Arrays.asList("ACCOUNT","NAME","PHONE");

String[] header = csvReader.getHeader(true);

if (!Arrays.asList(header).containsAll(expectedHeaders)){
    // not all headers present - handle appropriately 
    // (e.g. throw exception)
}

edited Jan 21, 2013 at 10:02

answered Jan 21, 2013 at 1:56

James Bassett

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2 Comments

Dharanae Over a year ago

Thanks Hound Dog for your suggestion.

James Bassett Over a year ago

No problem @Dharanae, don't forget to select this as the correct answer (if it is!)

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