3 Methods for Exporting CSV Files from BigQuery

The article explores three methods for exporting data from Google BigQuery to a CSV file, catering to different user needs and technical proficiencies. The first method involves using the BigQuery console's web UI, which is straightforward for one-time exports. The second method utilizes the bq command-line tool, offering efficiency for users who are comfortable with command-line operations and need frequent exports. The third method employs a client library, allowing for integration into automated workflows with various programming languages, though it requires more initial setup. The article also highlights limitations such as the 1 GB export limit per file and the challenge of exporting nested data, suggesting workarounds like using wildcards and the UNNEST function. Additionally, it introduces Fivetran Activations as a simpler alternative for moving data from BigQuery to other destinations, bypassing the need for manual CSV exports.