What is CSV?

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple file format used to store and transfer tabular data.

A CSV file represents data as rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet. Each row represents a record, and each column represents a field of information. The values are separated by commas, allowing different systems to read and write the data easily.

CSV is commonly used for importing and exporting data because it is:

• Simple and widely supported
• Easy to generate from many different systems
• Compatible with most spreadsheet software

Many business systems can export data as CSV files, making it a common format for transferring information between platforms.

Spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets can also open CSV files and export spreadsheets into CSV format, making them a convenient way to prepare data for import.