.csv

lightbulb

.csv

.CSV stands for “Comma-Separated Values” and is a file format used to store tabular data where each line represents a record and each field is separated by a comma.

What does .csv mean?

.csv stands for “Comma-Separated Values” and is a file format that represents Tabular data in plain text. Each line of a CSV file represents a row of data, and each value in a row is separated by a comma character. CSV is a simple and widely supported format, making it ideal for data Exchange between different applications and systems.

CSV files are structured such that the first line typically contains the column headers, and subsequent lines contain the data itself. The commas in the file separate the data values into individual fields, allowing easy Parsing and interpretation. This simple structure ensures compatibility with various data analysis and manipulation tools.

Applications

CSV files are used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Data Exchange: CSV is commonly used to exchange data between different systems or applications that may not share a common data format. The simplicity of CSV makes it easy to export and import data without the need for complex data conversion.

  • Data Analysis: CSV files are often used for data analysis. The tabular format of CSV allows for easy importing into spreadsheet Software or data analysis tools, facilitating data exploration, visualization, and statistical analysis.

  • Data Integration: CSV files can serve as a bridge between different data sources. Data from multiple sources can be Merged or joined based on common fields, enabling comprehensive analysis and reporting.

  • Database Import/Export: CSV can be used to import or export data from databases. The comma-separated format allows for easy conversion between relational databases and CSV files, facilitating data backup and migration.

History

The origins of CSV can be traced back to the 1970s when the need arose for a simple and portable data format. It emerged as a standardized format in 1982 when Daniel Bricklin and Bob Frankston developed the VisiCalc spreadsheet, which used CSV as its default export format.

Over time, CSV gained widespread adoption due to its simplicity and compatibility with various software applications. In the 1990s, CSV became a common format for data exchange on the internet and continued to grow in popularity with the rise of data analysis and data sharing.

Today, CSV remains a popular file format for data exchange and analysis. Its simple structure and wide support make it a versatile format for various applications, from small-scale data manipulation to large-scale data integration projects.