# FAQ

## FAQ

#### 1. How do we ensure data quality when loading files?

If you use the **DataPancake XML Chunker** to load data, it reports a **hash value** you can check against a hash of the raw file.

* A provided **stored procedure** can scan dynamic table columns for fields that are 100% null, which indicates potential issues.
* DataPancake supports **custom null expressions** to make quality checks easier.
* For deeper checks, you can:
  * Count XML elements in the raw file and compare them to rows in the final materialized tables.
  * Validate transformation expressions (e.g., formulas or UDFs) to avoid incorrect results.

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#### 2. Can we add metadata columns (e.g., filename, run date) to dynamic tables?

Yes. You can add **virtual attributes** at the root or within any nested array. These can be populated using any valid SQL expression, including values from other source columns.

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#### 3. How does the automated XML file ingestion process work?

We provide SQL code to automate the pipeline:

* A task checks for new files in ADLS.
* When a new file arrives, the **XML Chunker UDTF** brings the data into the **raw staging table** using a **variant column**.

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#### 4. Can we clean up dynamic tables with aliases, PKs, and FKs?

Yes. You can alias:

* Raw dynamic table names
* Dynamic column names
* Primary/foreign key column names
* View names and view column names

This allows you to simplify naming and hide unnecessary array data when creating views.


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