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External File Format

The default External File Format definition to use.

The value is appended as the WITH (...) clause of generated CREATE EXTERNAL TABLE statements, with @@this replaced by the object's file location. The ExternalFileFormat extension point overrides the setting for individual objects; when both are blank, a built-in definition referencing the bimlflex_storage data source and pipe_zip_format file format is used.

When to Change This Setting

Update the DATA_SOURCE and FILE_FORMAT names to match the external data source and external file format objects that exist in your target database, and adjust the LOCATION pattern if your storage layout differs.

SettingInteraction
Create External On StageRecreates the external table using this definition before staging runs
External File ConversionControls the value conversions applied when loading through the external table

Notes

  • This setting is part of the Azure Storage settings category.
  • The default value for this setting is WITH (LOCATION = '@@this/' , DATA_SOURCE = dwhload_storage , FILE_FORMAT = pipe_zip_format).