CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values. It is a common file format used for storing and exchanging tabular data in a plain-text form. CSV files are widely used for data manipulation, analysis, and transfer between different software applications.
In CSV format, each line represents a single row of data, and each field (or column) within the row is separated by a comma. Typically, the first line of a CSV file contains the field names, functioning as the headers for each column. Subsequent lines represent data records, with each value corresponding to a specific field in the header.
CSV files are easy to read and write, as they are in a simple text-based format. They can be opened and edited with any text editor, and can also be imported into various spreadsheet programs and databases. CSV files are platform-independent, making them suitable for cross-platform data exchange.
While commas are the most commonly used delimiter, other delimiters can be used as well, such as tabs or semicolons. In cases where a delimiter or a field contains special characters like quotes or commas, they can be escaped or enclosed in double quotes to maintain the integrity of the data.
Overall, CSV is a flexible and widely supported file format that allows efficient storage, sharing, and manipulation of tabular data in a human-readable text format.
