Data import scripts are some of the most important, common, and challenging tasks I perform. Time-outs, memory limits, and boredom are just the most common of frustrations. Once a development project enters its final stages, the conversations invariably begin to shift from functionality to data. Most clients have a lot of existing content and data that needs to be incorporated into their brand new site. The information may reside in an old database, large volumes of text files, spreadsheets, or something else entirely. Regardless of the method of storage, any transfer of a large amount of data will require some automation in the form of a script. After you’ve written a few of these types of processes, you’ll undoubtedly encounter the same issues for each one.