> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.akkio.com/akkio-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.akkio.com/akkio-docs/master/prompt-library/data-parsing.md).
# Data Parsing
Akkio works best with comma delimited, flat datasets. However, you may be able to get around this requirement with Chat Data Prep.
Remove Non-numeric Characters
Remove symbols that may impact analysis and model building.
**Example Prompt:**\
Remove all non-numeric characters, such as currency symbols, commas, apostrophes, and quotation marks, from numerical values in the dataset. Ensure that spaces and other necessary characters in non-numerical text remain unaffected.
**AI Interpretation:**\
The transform function removes all non-numeric characters from the values in each column of the dataset.
Tips:
* Useful for when symbols or punctuation in the data may be affecting analysis.
* Columns to be changed may need to be specified.
Semicolon Deiminated Data
**Example Prompt:**\
Read each ; as a delimiter.
**AI Interpretation:**\
The transform function splits a string column into multiple columns based on a delimiter. Each value in the string is separated by a semicolon (;) and is split into separate columns in the resulting dataset.
**Tips:**
* Akkio will always assume comma delimitation on upload.
* The delimiter is likely the issue if all of your headers are listed as a single column header.
Nested Datasets
**Exapmple Prompt:**\
Parse the column "client" as a json array. Take the first element of the array and make new columns based on the parsed json.
**AI Interpretation:**\
The transform function converts a column in the dataset from a string representation of a list of dictionaries to separate columns for each key-value pair in the dictionaries.
**Tips:**
* If the nested fields are consistent over rows, CDP may be used to generate a rule to unnest them into separate columns.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.akkio.com/akkio-docs/master/prompt-library/data-parsing.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.