CSV Format
CSV is a a widespread text file format used to store data. CSV stands for "comma-separated values". Its fields are most often separated, or delimited by comma or semicolon.
The text in CSV files (as any other text files) can be saved in different charsets (character encoding standard, example: UTF-8, Windows 1251, KOI8-R, etc.). When the charset is detected incorrectly, the file may show a wrong or corrupted content.
Therefore when you work with a csv file, it is important to know the charset and delimiter used in the csv file.
Files in the CSV format can be edited in any text editor and spreadsheet applications. We recommend to use a free OpenOffice Calc application for editing CSV data. MS Excel can be used as well, but it may replace some values automatically so be careful when you edit a CSV file with that application.
2) Before opening CSV file, you need to know its charset.
3) When you edit CSV file in a text editor, use a right field delimiter to separate fields.
The text in CSV files (as any other text files) can be saved in different charsets (character encoding standard, example: UTF-8, Windows 1251, KOI8-R, etc.). When the charset is detected incorrectly, the file may show a wrong or corrupted content.
Therefore when you work with a csv file, it is important to know the charset and delimiter used in the csv file.
Files in the CSV format can be edited in any text editor and spreadsheet applications. We recommend to use a free OpenOffice Calc application for editing CSV data. MS Excel can be used as well, but it may replace some values automatically so be careful when you edit a CSV file with that application.
Sample CSV file
Here is a very simple csv file containing three records with four fields in each record.Model;Name;Quantity;PriceThe first line usually includes a header to determine content of columns. Next, the file contains data according to the header. All values are separated by the delimiter. Text values may be enclosed to double quotes when these values contain the double quotes or the delimiter character.
MDL1;iPhone 8;5;$90.00
MDL2;iPhone 9;5;$140.00
MDL2;iPhone SE;5;$50.00
Summary
1) CSV files have a very simple format. They can be opened in any text editor.2) Before opening CSV file, you need to know its charset.
3) When you edit CSV file in a text editor, use a right field delimiter to separate fields.