How to Merge Two CSV Files in PowerShell

Learn how to effectively merge two CSV files with different columns using PowerShell, and troubleshoot common errors during the process.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: I am trying to merge two csv files with different columns in powershell, receiving error

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
How to Merge Two CSV Files in PowerShell: A Step-by-Step Guide

Merging CSV files can often become a challenge, especially when the files have different sets of columns. If you've tried to combine two CSV files and encountered an error, you're not alone. This article will guide you through understanding and fixing the issue with a clear, step-by-step process.

Understanding the Problem

In the case of merging two CSV files using PowerShell, you may have columns like:

File 1: Name, ID, Phone

File 2: Address, Location

If you attempt to merge these without considering their differing structures, PowerShell may throw an error stating:

This message indicates that PowerShell is unable to append data because the content in both files does not match in structure.

The Solution

Setting Up Your Script

To effectively merge CSV files with different columns, you'll need to create a more customized script. The following PowerShell script can help you achieve this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Script Breakdown

Hashtable Creation: The script begins by creating an ordered hashtable to keep track of imports from your CSV files.

Row Count Tracking: It calculates the maximum number of rows across all files to ensure every row is joined correctly.

Loop and Merge: Inside the loop, it constructs each row of the new file by collecting properties from each file's data, regardless of whether headers match.

Conclusion

By utilizing this structured approach, merging two CSV files with varying columns becomes a straightforward process. This method ensures you avoid common pitfalls and errors, while also providing you with a flexible solution to handle data from various sources.

Should you require further assistance or if you have any specific queries about correctly merging your files, feel free to reach out!