Guessing Answer is No.... Can Notepad++ Vlookup?

[Felix A]

Hi. I’m guessing the answer is No, but I just want to make sure: Can I cross reference one CSV file with another by a matching column value, so that I can insert values from the other file into the original file? One is a file or set of files that change every day, but the structure is the same. The other is a master file which does not change which contains data not contained in the daily files, such as Vendor Name, or Item Name. I have used the SQL plugin to accomplish some tasks on the data in the same file, but these are 2 separate files and the column structure is not identical.

[MAPJe71]

What’s a Vlookup? Not everyone talks SQL/Spreadsheet here ;)

I presume this question is related to your other question.
Either way more information might be beneficial e.g. the actual task at hand, (dummy) data files, does i have to be done with Notepad++, etc.
In the end a complete different approach might be a better solution for you.

[Felix A]

Yes it’s related. I’m looking for a better way to quickly process a file like this in Notepad++. (In this question, I’m focusing on the generation of columns VENDOR and ITEM. )

Sorry by vlookup I mean a formula in a spreadsheet app like Excel or even Google Sheets where one sheet can “look” at another to pull data from it by using a matching value in a column that they have in common. So for example, if I am working on a sheet called “items” which does not list prices and I need it to display prices as well, then if I have another sheet called “prices”, assuming the price for the item is in column 2 of the prices sheet, I would use this formula in the items list to grab the price from “prices”:=vlookup(A2,prices!A:C,2,false). So I’m wondering if somehow in Notepad I can bring data that I need from another open file into the current file based on a matching value of SKU number, so that I wouldn’t need to use Excel.

[START]
SUPER DUPER’s Company
POST OFFICE BOX 5049
MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA 91017
Fax: (626)301-4443

---

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

P.O. : 0070450822
DATE : 08/12/2016

VENDOR NO : 67646
VENDOR : ACE SUPPLIES
: 5666 Avenue L
: Flatonia,TX 75950
: U.S.A.
PHONE : 452-888-3225
CLPL TEXAS

DELIVER TO : SUPER DUPERS #699 / 699-TJ 699 QUIET RANCH, TX
: 8585 Warehouse Center Blvd
: Fiar,TX 77994
: U.S.A.

TERMS : NET UPON RECEIPT
FRT TERMS : FCA:Freight Pre-paid
ARRIVE : 08/15/16

SUPER DUPER’s agrees to buy the following from
ACE SUPPLIES :

PRODUCT NAME : GREEN MOUNTAIN
SKU : 051216 6 / 6 11.2 Fluid Oz BOTTLE
Case QTY : 1
COST per Case : $ 37.020
COST : $ 37.02

PRODUCT NAME : DAVE’s BOHEMIAN LAGER
SKU : 078156 4 / 6 12 Fluid Oz BOTTLE
Case QTY : 10
COST per Case : $ 28.790
COST : $ 280.79

PRODUCT NAME : MILLSTONE STOUT
SKU : 091378 4 / 6 12 Fluid Oz BOTTLE
Case QTY : 1
COST per Case : $ 28.800
COST : $ 28.80

PRODUCT NAME : WASHINGTON TERRIFIC DRAFT CIDER
SKU : 097584 4 / 6 12 Fluid Oz BOTTLE
Case QTY : 1
COST per Case : $ 29.460
COST : $ 29.46

TOTALS : $ 84.07

TOTAL QUANTITY IN CASE : 4

[END]

Start and end tags are mine. This file and many like it of varying lengths would Ideally be turned to a file like this:

[START]

VENDOR,ITEM,SKU,QTY,SHIPPED,STORE,PO,DATE
HORIZONTAL,GREEN MOUNTAIN FRESH,51216,1,699,80450620,08-12-2016
WORLD IMPORTS,DAVE’s GREAT BOHEMIAN LAGER,78156,10,699,80450620,08-12-2016
HENRY’S LABS,MILLSTONE STOUT,91370,1,699,80450620,08-12-2016
CHERRY COVE FARMS,WASHINGTON AUTHENTIC DC,97584,1,699,80450620,08-12-2016

[END]

The eventual goal is for these many text files to be processed with macros, one file at a time, in Notepad++, then combined into one file so that separate spreadsheets can be easily and quickly generated in Excel( with a placeholder for the SHIPPED qty to be entered by a worker). These same files would then become the basis for an invoice through an import process. The final file will probably have columns like Store, PO, and DATE hidden, but that information will be brought to a row above the header row for easy viewing.

The original text file that I have to process does not have a vendor name on the product, and the product name is not correct. I can run the text file in excel to obtain Vendor and Item name for each file. Excel looks at a master list of all products and names, and based on the SKU#, it supplies the Vendor and Item name that I need. I am wondering if that can be in Notepad++ instead?

[dail]

Although technically it is possible…I’d strongly suggest not using Notepad++. There are other tools way better suited.

[Felix A]

Since it can be made to look at 2 different files with the compare plugin and even to run sql queries, I’m a little surprised that it wouldn’t be easier. The ultimate solution (at least for my set up) would be a parser in PHP. I’ll get there but until then, Notepad++ has done wonders on the desktop. At least now I know not to look for this functionality based on your comment. You’ve saved me lots of time b/c I won’t go looking for ways to accomplish this in Notepad++. I hear you when you say it’s technically possible but not advisable. Thanks!