CSV file format
| Extension | .csv |
| Category | documents |
| Programs | Microsoft Excel Microsoft Works Corel Quattro Pro Apache OpenOffice LibreOffice Microsoft Notepad Libre Office MobiSystems OfficeSuite Pro 7 |
| Description | The `.csv` (Comma-Separated Values) format is a straightforward text format used for presenting tabular data. Each line in this format represents a row in a table, and the individual fields within a row are separated by specific characters called delimiters. The most common delimiter is a comma, but semicolons or tabs can also be used. As a simple text format, it's universally compatible and easy to edit. A CSV file consists of rows and fields, separated by the chosen delimiter, without any predetermined structure. All data within the file is treated as text strings, which is fundamental to how data is handled in the `.csv` format. |
| Technical details | You can add optional headers to `.csv` files, and it supports various text encodings, such as UTF-8 and ASCII. If a field includes delimiters, it's usually enclosed in quotation marks. Any quotation marks within the field are "escaped," meaning they are read as regular text rather than special characters. While the `.csv` format isn't ideal for managing complex or linked data structures, its simplicity and versatility make it a popular choice for basic data exchange and import/export tasks. The `.csv` format works well with common software, including spreadsheets and databases, which contributes to its continued use for straightforward data tasks. The simplicity and adaptability of this format significantly contribute to its widespread use. In summary, the `.csv` format is a popular choice for basic data handling and transfer tasks because of its simplicity, versatility, and high compatibility. |
| MIME type | text/comma-separated-values |