Comma-Separated Values (CSV)
CSV stands for comma-separated values.
It is a plain-text tabular data format where rows are separated by lines and values are separated by delimiters, most commonly commas.
What it does
CSV stores table-like data in a simple text format.
It is commonly used to:
- Exchange tabular data between systems
- Export spreadsheet or database data
- Import records into apps and services
- Process structured text in scripts and tools
- Move data in a lightweight portable format
Core concepts
Tabular plain text
CSV represents rows and columns in plain text.
That makes it easy to generate, inspect, and move between many tools.
Delimited values
Although the name says comma-separated, different CSV-like files can use different delimiters.
Commas are just the most common convention.
Data exchange format
CSV is especially useful as an interchange format.
It is simpler than formats like JSON for flat tabular data, but less expressive for nested structures.
Common use cases
- Spreadsheet export/import
- Database export/import
- Bulk record migration
- Reporting and analytics
- Script-driven data transformation
Practical notes
- CSV is easy to use, but edge cases such as quoted fields, embedded commas, and line breaks still matter.
- It is best for flat tabular data, not deeply nested structures.
- CSV files are text files, so encoding and delimiter consistency can affect compatibility.
- CSV remains popular because it is broadly supported across business and technical tools.
Sources Used
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSV always comma-separated?
Usually, but not always in practice. Some systems use similar delimiter-based formats with semicolons or tabs.
Is CSV the same as Excel?
No. CSV is a plain-text data format, while Excel files are richer spreadsheet document formats.
Is CSV good for nested data?
Not usually. Formats like JSON are better for nested structures.