What is the recommended action for an analyst to import shapefile data into a file geodatabase?

The recommended action for importing shapefile data into a file geodatabase is to utilize the Feature Class To Feature Class geoprocessing tool. This tool is specifically designed for converting and importing feature data from various formats, including shapefiles, into a feature class within a geodatabase. This process maintains the attributes, geometry, and other properties of the original shapefile while ensuring compatibility with the geodatabase structure.

Using this tool provides a straightforward and efficient way to migrate data, allowing for seamless integration and management within the ArcGIS environment. This ensures that analysts can leverage the advantages of file geodatabases, such as improved data management and performance, while ensuring data integrity during the import process.

Other methods and steps—like running the Multipart To Singlepart tool or adjusting spatial reference precision—are not necessary or recommended for the direct import of shapefiles into a file geodatabase. While creating a spatial index might enhance performance for querying and analyzing the data after it's already been imported, it does not serve as a method for the actual import process.