Comma-separated values
From EDeskWiki
The comma-separated values (or CSV; also known as a comma-separated list or Comma-Separated Variable) file format is a file type that stores Flat file database|tabular data. The format dates back to the days of mainframe computing. For this reason, CSV files are common on all computer platforms.
CSV is one implementation of a Delimiter-separated values/delimited text file, which uses a Comma (punctuation)|comma to separate values. However CSV differs from other delimiter separated file formats in using a " (double quote) character around fields that contain reserved characters (such as commas or newlines). Most other delimiter formats either use an escape character such as a backslash, or have no support for reserved characters.
In computer science terms, this type of format is called a "flat file" because only one table can be stored in a CSV file. Most systems use a series of tables to store their information, which must be "flattened" into a single table, often with information repeated over several rows, to create a delimited text file.
Converting Spreadsheets
You can convert a file from Microsoft Excel or any other spreasheet software to another file format (Eg: CSV) by saving it with the Save As command (File menu) in Excel. The file formats available in the Save As dialog box vary, depending what type of sheet is active (a worksheet, chart sheet, or other type of sheet). For most file formats, Excel converts only the active sheet. To convert the other sheets, switch to each sheet and save it separately.
Converting XLS to CSV format
- Open the file that you want to convert from XLS to CSV.
- Click on the File Menu >> Save As
- In the dialog box that appears, enter a File name: and in File Type: click on the dropdown box and select Comma Seperated Values (.csv).
- Click on the Save button and your file is saved.
- In the event that you encounter any errors, click on the Yes button to continue saving.
Since Excel converts only the active sheet, to convert the other sheets, switch to each sheet and save it separately.
Converting Access to CSV format
- Open the access file that you want to convert from MDB to CSV.
- Click on the File Menu >> Save As
- In the dialog box that appears, enter a File name: and in File Type: click on the dropdown box and select Comma Seperated Values (.csv).
- Click on the Save button and your file is saved.
