Convert Parquet to Text Format – Reasons, Risks & Best Ways Explained

When we talk about data storage and management, the .parquet file format is known for its data compression and query performance efficiency with big data. However, due to its non-human-readable nature, it often becomes crucial to convert Parquet to Text file format. As easy it might sound, there are numerous risks and challenges with such conversions as well. Through this blog, we will learn these possible risks, the limitations, and further the best ways for the conversion. 

Why Do We Need to Convert .parquet Files? Common Reasons Explained

Before we jump to the methods, let’s first understand a few reasons why it is important to convert Parquet to Text. Learning the causes will help in giving a clearer insight into the limitations of the Parquet file format. Also, it helps with understanding how changing the format to any other desired format can be helpful for the users. 

• The first reason for this transformation is that the .parquet file format is a binary file that cannot be easily read by users in text editors. This requires them to change the format to a readable format, like .txt, first, and then proceed with their required tasks. 
• As we know, the Parquet file format is generally used to store large data sets. Now, the ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools, or even widely used tools like spreadsheets, do not support the file format. Hence, when the users need the data for analytics or report generation, they have to convert Parquet to Text file formats. 
• Another situation where the conversion is required is while sharing the .parquet files. To share the .parquet files directly, the user on the receiving end must have appropriate libraries and the right environments. By changing the files from .parquet to .txt, it becomes much easier to share these files among users. 

Similarly, several reasons demand that users convert these files. Even while migrating Parquet files to Access database or any other database, it becomes crucial to change the file formats first to a desired format and then continue with the process. Let’s now move to understanding the methods that will help with the conversion of the files effectively. 

How to Convert Parquet to Text File Manually?

When we look for the manual methods for the transformation of the .parquet files, there aren’t many available. Furthermore, the methods that are available are highly technical and require core expertise in the commands and codes. Running these commands without proper knowledge can lead to permanent data loss. Other than the technical ways, there are online tools for this process. But they also have risks and challenges as mentioned below:

• One of the risks of opting for the online tools is the concern of compromised data security and privacy. 
• The next challenge with using online tools to convert parquet to text is the assurance that the data used is deleted afterwards and will not be misused by anyone. 
• With the online tools, the file size limitation is also an often encountered issue. In case the .parquet file to be converted is large in size, the online tools or the manual method might fail to do so. 
• Even if the files are converted with these solutions, there is a chance that the file might not be in its original structure.

These are the possible risks and challenges a user might encounter if they go with using an online tool. Similarly, if the users go with the manual method without understanding the technicalities, they can face bigger challenges regarding data security and integrity. To overcome such challenges and efficiently carry out the process, it is important to choose a reliable solution. Let’s now take a look at how we can carry out the entire process with an expert-recommended solution. 

Also Read: How to Convert Parquet file to CSV Quickly?

Convert Parquet to Text With the Help of An Advanced Tool

Now, after understanding the setbacks and risks with the manual and online methods for the change of the file formats, it is time to go for the trusted solution. Dedicated tools like SysTools Parquet Converter Tool are smart utility that allows efficient conversion of the files. 

Here is a video tutorial for a smooth .parquet file transformation.

Let’s now take a look at the steps on how to use this solution easily:

1. Install and launch the suggested software. Click on Add Files to load .parquet files to the software.
2. After adding the files, click on the Next Button.
3. Next, choose the desired file format, here TXT,  from the given export options. 
4. Add the destination path to save the resultant file to a specified location.
5. Click on the Export button to convert Parquet to Text easily.

With these steps, it becomes much easier for the users to know how to convert Parquet file to Text file effortlessly. Furthermore, the solution has several prominent features that allow users to carry out the entire process without affecting the data integrity or structure altogether. Additionally, the tool being a completely standalone and offline tool, it becomes much safer than the online tools in terms of data security and privacy. 

Conclusion

With the help of this thorough write-up, we have learned about the best ways to convert parquet to text. Alongside the methods for the conversion, we have also discussed the common situations that demanded this conversion. Lastly, we have also explained how using an expert solution can help users overcome the setbacks and risks of the manual methods.