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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to create an account to contribute? A: No! Just use the Magic Link or GitHub login. An account will be created automatically.Q: Is there a cost to use the CSC Update Tool? A: Absolutely not! It’s completely free and open-source.Q: Can I submit multiple change requests? A: Yes! You can submit as many as you like, though there are rate limits to prevent spam.
Q: How long does review take? A: Reviews typically happen within 1-7 days, depending on complexity and admin availability.Q: Can I edit my request after submitting? A: You can edit pending requests. Once approved or rejected, you’ll need to submit a new request.Q: What if I make a mistake? A: No problem! Use the comments to clarify, or submit a new request with corrections.Q: Why was my change rejected? A: Check the comments section for specific feedback. Common reasons include insufficient sources or data quality issues.
Q: How often is the main database updated? A: The main database syncs automatically every week, typically on Sundays.Q: Will my approved change definitely appear in the database? A: Approved changes are incorporated, but our verification system checks if they persist through sync cycles.Q: Can I see the SQL for my changes? A: Yes! Approved changes show a “View SQL” option so you can see exactly what gets updated.Q: What if my change gets overwritten during sync? A: Our incorporation tracking system detects this and can re-apply your changes as needed.
Q: What sources are considered reliable? A: Government websites, official statistical offices, census data, and reputable geographical authorities.Q: Can I add places that don’t officially exist yet? A: Generally no. We focus on officially recognized administrative divisions and established cities.Q: How do you handle disputed territories? A: We follow internationally recognized standards and may defer to authoritative geographical organizations.Q: What about historical changes? A: We maintain current data. Historical administrative divisions are typically not included unless still relevant.
Q: I found a bug or need to report an issue. Where should I go? A: For technical issues, bugs, or feature requests, please submit an issue on our GitHub repository: https://github.com/dr5hn/countries-states-cities-database/issuesQ: What information should I include when reporting an issue? A: Please provide:
  • A clear description of the problem
  • Steps to reproduce the issue
  • Expected vs actual behavior
  • Screenshots if relevant
  • Your use case or context
Q: How do I get help with using the Update Tool? A: Start by checking this documentation and FAQ. For specific questions about your submissions, use the comments section on your change requests. For technical issues, create a GitHub issue.