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Copy Behavior

Copy Behavior in Azure Copy Activity sets the method of data transfer from source to destination, especially when existing data files are present at the destination.

The setting applies to file-based Copy Activity sinks.

Options: Inherit, None, PreserveHierarchy, MergeFiles, FlattenHierarchy

OptionBehavior
Inherit (default)BimlFlex chooses: MergeFiles for copies from non-binary file sources, otherwise PreserveHierarchy
NoneApplies the service's None behavior
PreserveHierarchyKeeps the source folder hierarchy at the destination
MergeFilesMerges the source files into a single destination file
FlattenHierarchyWrites all files into the first level of the destination folder; the generated sink leaves the target file name empty so the service assigns it

When to Change This Setting

Keep the default Inherit and let BimlFlex pick the behavior per copy. Select an explicit behavior when the destination file layout matters, for example PreserveHierarchy to mirror the source folder structure.

SettingInteraction
Is RecursiveControls whether the copy reads source sub-folders

Notes

  • This setting is part of the Azure Copy settings category.
  • The default value for this setting is Inherit.