CSV file format
Comma-Separated Values
CSV is the simplest table format: plain text with one row per line and commas between values. Every spreadsheet, database and programming language can read it.
| Property | CSV |
|---|---|
| File extensions | .csv |
| MIME type | text/csv |
| Introduced | 1972 (RFC 4180 in 2005) by Community convention |
| Type | Plain-text table |
| How it's stored | None (plain text) |
| Keeps formatting | No — values only |
| Compatibility | Universal: spreadsheets, databases, code |
| Best for | Importing and exporting data |
What is a CSV file?
CSV (comma-separated values) stores a table as plain text: one record per line, fields separated by commas, and quotes around fields that contain commas or line breaks. The convention dates back to the early 1970s; RFC 4180 documented it in 2005.
Strengths and weaknesses
CSV is universal and tiny, which makes it the default for data exports and imports. It can't store formulas, formatting, multiple sheets or data types — and some regions use semicolons instead of commas, which can confuse imports.