Getting data out in a usable form.
FROM A QUERY
Run a SELECT, then use the export option beneath the results.
Choose CSV for spreadsheets.
FROM A WHOLE TABLE
Select the table, Export tab, choose CSV.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
Only the columns needed. SELECT * produces every column including internal ones nobody wants.
Add a WHERE clause to restrict to the relevant rows: a date range, a status.
FORMATTING
Choose to include column names in the first row, which makes the spreadsheet usable.
Check the separator suits your spreadsheet software.
ENCODING
Export as UTF-8. Opening a UTF-8 CSV in some spreadsheet software mangles accented characters unless imported rather than opened directly.
THE PRIVACY POINT
A customer export is personal data. Do not leave it on the server, and delete it when finished.
Never place it in a web-reachable folder.
THE EASIER ROUTE
Most applications have export built in and handle relationships properly. Try that first.
