CSV

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a lightweight text-based file format used to store and exchange tabular data.

Each line in a CSV file usually represents one row, while individual values are separated by delimiters such as commas. CSV is widely used for importing and exporting data between databases, spreadsheets, analytics tools, and software applications.

Also known as: CSV file format, flat-file format.

How Does CSV Work?

A CSV file organizes information into rows and columns.

For example:

ID,Name,Email
1,Alice,[email protected]
2,Bob,[email protected]

The first row usually contains column names, while each following row contains one record.

Although commas are the most common delimiter, some CSV-like files use semicolons, tabs, or other separators depending on regional settings or software requirements.