Glossary

import handler

This a type of handler which is responsible for a particular set of data import/export task(s).

The import handler manages data connections and transactions, and invokes one or more importers to process the data. See also Import Handler vs. Importer.

Note that “import/export handler” is the more proper term to use here but it is often shortened to just “import handler” for convenience.

import/export key

Unique key representing a particular type of import/export job, i.e. the source/target and orientation (import vs. export).

For instance “Wutta → CSV export” uses the key: export.to_csv.from_wutta

More than one import handler can share a key, e.g. one may subclass another and inherit the key.

However only one handler is “designated” for a given key; it will be used by default for running those jobs.

This key is used for lookup in get_import_handler().

See also get_key() method on the import/export handler.

importer

This refers to a Python class/instance responsible for processing a particular data model for an import/export job.

For instance there is usually one importer per table, when importing to the app database (regardless of source). See also Import Handler vs. Importer.

Note that “importer/exporter” is the more proper term to use here but it is often shortened to just “importer” for convenience.