Import / Export API

Introduction

The Import / Export API allows for the definition of data entities within Drupal. The definition system lets data entities be related to each other, and it includes a number of different field types. It also supports a system of import (parsing) and export (rendering) engines, for formats such as XML and CSV. Data entities are able to be exported from, and imported into, a Drupal site, for purposes such as backup, offline editing, data migration, and data transfer between Drupal databases.

Installation

Extract the package into your site's appropriate modules directory (/sites/all/modules or /sites/sitename/modules).
Enable the importexportapi and importexportui modules at administer >> site building >> modules.
Configure access privileges at administer >> user management >> access control (5.x) or administer >> user management >> permissions (6.x +) .

Performing imports and exports

A simple UI module, called 'importexportui', is currently included with the API. To start performing data exports, go to 'administer -> export' and follow the wizard on that page. To start performing data imports, go to 'administer -> import', and follow the wizard on that page.

All data for importing is currently stored in a series of files in the '/testdata' directory of the package. To add or edit the available import data, simply edit the files in this directory, or add new files of your own (no configuration needed - all files in this directory are made available for import).