CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple file format used to store tabular data in plain text. Each line represents a row, and values within each row are separated by commas. CSV files are widely used for data import/export, spreadsheets, and database operations. You can easilyconvert CSV to JSON orJSON to CSV using our online tools.
Despite its simplicity, CSV is one of the most common formats for data exchange because it's supported by virtually every spreadsheet application, database system, and programming language. For more complex data structures, you might want to learn about JSON orXML.
What Does CSV Stand For?
CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values. The name describes exactly how the format works: values in a row are separated by commas.
Key Point: While commas are the standard delimiter, CSV files can also use semicolons, tabs, or other characters to separate values, depending on regional settings.
A Simple CSV Example
Here's a basic CSV file containing network device information:
hostname,ipAddress,port,status router-01,192.168.1.1,443,active switch-02,192.168.1.2,22,active firewall-03,192.168.1.3,8080,inactive
This CSV file has:
- •Header row: Column names (hostname, ipAddress, port, status)
- •Data rows: Three devices with their properties
- •Commas: Separating each value
How CSV Files Work
Structure
- •Each line = one row of data
- •Commas separate columns
- •First row often contains headers
- •Plain text format (.csv extension)
Visualize your CSV data with our CSV to Table viewer.
Handling Special Cases
When values contain commas, quotes, or newlines, use double quotes:
name,address,city "Network Ops, Inc","123 Main St, Suite 100",Boston Standard Corp,456 Oak Ave,Chicago
Common Uses of CSV Files
Data Import/Export
Transfer data between databases, spreadsheets, and applications.
Spreadsheet Data
Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet programs use CSV for compatibility.
Database Backups
Export database tables for backup or migration.
Data Analysis
Import into Python, R, or other analytics tools for processing.
Reports
Generate reports that can be opened in any spreadsheet application.
Contact Lists
Export/import contacts between email clients and CRM systems.
Advantages of CSV
- •Universal compatibility: Supported by virtually every application
- •Simple format: Easy to create and read, even manually
- •Small file size: Minimal overhead compared to XML or JSON
- •Fast processing: Quick to parse and generate
- •Human-readable: Can be opened in any text editor
Limitations of CSV
- •Flat structure only: Cannot represent hierarchical or nested data
- •No data types: Everything is treated as text (no distinction between numbers/strings)
- •No standard specification: Variations in implementation (delimiters, encoding)
- •Special character issues: Commas and quotes in data require escaping
- •No metadata: No way to include schema or field descriptions
CSV vs Other Formats
| Feature | CSV | JSON | XML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Tabular data | APIs, configs | Documents |
| Hierarchy | No | Yes | Yes |
| File Size | Smallest | Small | Largest |
| Readability | High | High | Medium |
CSV Tools
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External References
- •RFC 4180 - CSV format specification
- •Wikipedia - CSV - Comprehensive CSV overview