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When importing a csv file with empty fields as a Dataset, the empty fields are set to zero-length strings (""). There is an option, EmptyField, which replaces the zero-length string with an arbitrary string, but I don't see a way to set empty fields to Missing[] or some other value indicating missing data.

The import code is:

data = Import["file.csv",{"CSV","Dataset"},"HeaderLines"->1, "EmptyField"->""]

The result is the same as leaving EmptyField out since "" is the default. However, all attempts at setting EmptyField to Missing[], Null, or None fail. For example:

enter image description here

Is there a way to set empty fields to Missing[]?

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1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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I don't think there is a way to do this using the "EmptyField" option. I post process after Import.

data /. "" -> Null

or

data /. "" -> Missing["NotAvailable"]
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  • $\begingroup$ That works perfectly, thank you. It would be nice to have a more flexible option to handle missing data on import. $\endgroup$
    – Lee
    Commented Mar 21, 2019 at 10:47

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