title: Reading timestamps when importing data in SQL Developer
body: <p>I am trying to read a text file into an Oracle database using the Data Import Wizard in SQL Developer.   </p>
  
  <p>I am stuck on step 5 because I cannot get the Verify parameters before import to succeed on my <code>timestamp</code> fields.   </p>
  
  <p>Going back to step 4, I have tried changing the Data type of my <code>timestamp</code> fields to <code>Timestamp</code>, <code>Timestamp with time zone</code>, and <code>Timestamp with local time zone</code>. In desperation, I even tried <code>Date</code>. Nothing worked.</p>
  
  <p>I then noticed the Format field that shows up when you select any of the <code>Timestamp...</code> or <code>Date</code> types for the "Data Type" field. So, I tried specifying the format for my data, an example of which follows: <code>01/03/2008 06:25:00 AM -0500</code>. </p>
  
  <p>Not sure what the proper codes are for the format and finding no documentation online, offline, or in my head, I tried all of the following formats to no avail: <code>MM/DD/YYYY HH:mm:SS AM +0000</code>; <code>MM/DD/YYYY HH:mi:SS AM +0000</code>; <code>MM/DD/YYYY HH12:mm:SS AM +0000</code>; <code>mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm:ss AM +0000</code>. </p>
  
  <p>In further desperation, I have tried many, many combinations of the various encodings for each of the sub-elements of the timestamp: <code>MM</code> and <code>mm</code> for month, <code>DD</code> and <code>dd</code> for day, <code>YYYY</code> and <code>yyyy</code> for year, <code>HH</code> and <code>hh</code> and <code>HH12</code> for hour, <code>mm</code> and <code>mi</code> for minute, <code>SS</code> and <code>ss</code> for second, and lots of crazy stuff for the <code>AM/PM</code> and time zone fields. Nothing has worked.</p>
  
  <p>So, stackoverflow patrons, I ask for your help. I have tried searching for a solution to this problem and I have tried lots of different solutions on my own. I have done my best, but my best hasn't been good enough on this problem. Help me Obi Wan; you're my only hope.</p>