Comma separated values

Comma Separated Values, or CSV, is a commonly used data format used to store tabular data in plain text. It is a widely accepted and used file format, and it is used to store data from a variety of sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, and other text-based applications. CSV files typically have a .csv extension, and they are used by a wide variety of software applications.

The CSV format is a simple data format that is characterized by rows and columns. In a CSV file, the data is separated by commas, and each row in the data file represents a record. The CSV file also supports multiple character encodings, such as ASCII, UTF-8, and UTF-16, making it an ideal file format for storing internationalized data.

The simplest CSV files contain tabular data with no formatting, such as a simple list of names or a table of numbers. However, more complex CSV files can also support features such as text delimiters, quotes, and other data qualifiers. CSV files can also contain comments, headers, and meta-data. This information is used to define the data’s structure and type.

CSV files are a simple, universally accepted file format, and they are preferred for many applications because of their flexibility and convenience. They can easily be opened and viewed in many software applications, including Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Notepad. CSV files are also compatible with many programming languages, such as Python, Java, and R.

In general, CSV files are an easy and convenient way to store tabular data. They are well-supported by a wide variety of software applications and programming languages, and they are a good choice for applications that require flexibility, portability, and compatibility.