csv2tsv is a command-line tool used to convert CSV (Comma-Separated Values) formatted text to TSV (Tab-Separated Values) format. It provides a simple and convenient way to transform data from one delimited format to another, specifically converting data separated by commas to data separated by tabs.
Here are the key features and functionalities of csv2tsv:
- Format Conversion: csv2tsv takes input in CSV format, where fields are separated by commas, and converts it to TSV format, where fields are separated by tabs. This conversion allows for easier processing and analysis of the data in applications that expect or prefer tab-separated values.
- Delimiter Handling: csv2tsv intelligently handles the delimiters in the input CSV data. It recognizes and respects the presence of quotes or double quotes to handle fields with commas or tabs within them. This ensures that the converted TSV data retains the original structure and integrity of the fields.
- Preserve Data Structure: During the conversion process, csv2tsv maintains the original structure of the data, including line breaks and quoting conventions. This helps to ensure that the converted TSV output accurately represents the original CSV data without any loss or modification.
- Command-Line Interface: csv2tsv is operated through a command-line interface (CLI), allowing you to easily convert CSV data to TSV format. It accepts the input CSV data as a file or can read from standard input, making it flexible for use in different scenarios.
- Streamlined Conversion: With csv2tsv, you can efficiently convert large CSV files or streams of data to TSV format. It handles data conversion in a fast and optimized manner, making it suitable for handling datasets of varying sizes.
- Compatibility and Integration: csv2tsv is designed to be compatible with various operating systems and can be seamlessly integrated into your data processing workflows or scripts. It can be combined with other command-line tools or used as part of a larger data manipulation pipeline.
By using csv2tsv, you can easily convert CSV-formatted data to TSV format, allowing for smooth integration with applications or processes that expect tab-separated values. This conversion facilitates easier data processing, analysis, and sharing, particularly when working with tools that rely on TSV as the preferred data format.
csv2tsv Command Examples
1. Convert from CSV to TSV:
# csv2tsv /path/to/input_csv1 path/to/input_csv2 ... > path/to/output_tsv
2. Convert field delimiter separated CSV to TSV:
# csv2tsv -c'field_delimiter' /path/to/input_csv
3. Convert semicolon separated CSV to TSV:
# csv2tsv -c';' /path/to/input_csv