CSV is a simple file format used to store tabular data, such as spreadsheets or databases, in plain text. Each line in a CSV file represents a row, and values within the row are separated by commas (or sometimes other delimiters like semicolons).
Why CSV Files Matters
Universality: Supported by almost all spreadsheet, database, and programming tools.
Simplicity: Easy to read and edit with basic text editors.
Portability: Lightweight format that can be shared across systems without compatibility issues.
Data exchange: Commonly used for importing and exporting data between applications.
How CSV Files Are Structured
– Rows: Each line represents a record.
– Columns: Values are separated by commas.
– Headers: Optional first row that names each column.
– Delimiters: While commas are standard, other characters (e.g. semicolons, tabs) may be used depending on locale or system.
Common Use Cases
– Exporting sales data from ecommerce platforms.
– Importing product catalogues into inventory systems.
– Sharing datasets between researchers.
– Migrating customer records between CRMs.
Related Terms
– Data Import/Export
– Delimited File
– Spreadsheet
– Database
– JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
– XML (Extensible Markup Language)
