CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

CSV is a lightweight and widely used file format for storing and transferring tabular data. In a CSV file, each row represents a data record, and fields within a record are typically separated by commas, although semicolons or other delimiters can also be used depending on regional settings.

CSV files are compatible with a wide range of applications, including spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, database systems, and data processing tools. Because of their simplicity and human-readable structure, CSV files are frequently used for:

• Importing and exporting data between systems
• Data migration and backups
• Data analytics and visualisation workflows

Despite lacking advanced features such as data types or formatting (found in formats like XLSX or JSON), CSV remains a preferred format for simple and reliable data exchange in business, research, and industrial environments.

See also: SQL