CSV is a data transmission standard, also known as: Comma Separated Variables.
The CSV documentation is managed by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and was last updated in 2005.
CSV files have, for many years, been the workhorse for moving data between systems.
Each file would look something like this:
id,name,department
1,Micky Mouse,Sales
2,Donald Duck,Marketing
3,Yogi Bear,Engineering
Strengths
- Simple structure
- Human readable data
Limitations
- Cannot describe the relationships between different types of data, without the use of multiple CSV files.
- Best for scheduled data transfers. Not appropriate for real-time use.