How to Convert CSV to TSV Using `csv2tsv` (with examples)

The csv2tsv command is a powerful utility to transform data from CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format to TSV (Tab-Separated Values) format. This tool is particularly useful for users who deal with data exchanges between systems that prefer the TSV format due to its simplicity and lack of ambiguity associated with delimiters commonly found in CSV files. CSV files have diverse delimiter variations across different software, and csv2tsv helps in standardizing the format by converting to a reliable TSV format, ensuring compatibility and easy processing.

Use case 1: Convert from CSV to TSV

Code:

csv2tsv path/to/input_csv1 path/to/input_csv2 ... > path/to/output_tsv

Motivation:

Converting multiple CSV files to a single TSV output streamlines data processing when integrating data from various sources. A TSV format, with tabs as delimiters, reduces potential errors in parsing data containing commas.

Explanation:

• csv2tsv is the command being executed.
• path/to/input_csv1 path/to/input_csv2 ... are the paths to the input CSV files that you want to convert. You can specify multiple files, separating them with spaces.
• The > operator redirects the output from the terminal to a file specified in path/to/output_tsv.

Example Output:

Suppose you are converting two CSV files, you might end up with an output_tsv file that looks like:

name	age	city
Alice	30	New York
Bob	25	Los Angeles
Eve	22	Chicago

Use case 2: Convert field delimiter separated CSV to TSV

Code:

csv2tsv -c'field_delimiter' path/to/input_csv

Motivation:

Sometimes, CSV files are not separated by commas but by other delimiters like spaces, pipes (|), or other custom characters. This command allows the conversion of CSV files with these non-standard delimiters into TSV format, which is essential for maintaining consistency in data formatting for further data manipulation and processing.

Explanation:

• -c'field_delimiter' option specifies the character being used in the CSV file to separate fields instead of the standard comma. You replace 'field_delimiter' with the actual delimiter used in your file.
• path/to/input_csv is the path to the CSV file that is being converted.

Example Output:

For example, if your CSV uses | as a delimiter, and you use csv2tsv -c'|' path/to/input_csv, the output TSV will look like:

product	price	quantity
Laptop	1000	5
Mouse	40	20
Keyboard	50	10

Use case 3: Convert semicolon separated CSV to TSV

Code:

csv2tsv -c';' path/to/input_csv

Motivation:

Some European countries and other regions use semicolons (;) as field delimiters in CSV files due to the common regional use of commas as decimal separators. This feature of csv2tsv allows for easy conversion of semicolon-delimited files into TSV format, making data ready for applications that require TSV format without any manual intervention.

Explanation:

• -c';' option is used to specify that the semicolon (;) is the delimiter in your CSV file.
• path/to/input_csv is where you specify the path to your input CSV file.

Example Output:

When you have a CSV file like:

id;salary;department
101;50000;Sales
102;60000;HR

After applying the conversion, your TSV output will be:

id	salary	department
101	50000	Sales
102	60000	HR

Conclusion:

Each of these use cases for the csv2tsv command highlights its flexibility and power in managing data conversion tasks efficiently. From handling various delimiter styles to combining multiple conversions into a single, simplified TSV format, csv2tsv is an invaluable tool for data professionals looking to maintain data integrity and facilitate smooth data manipulation processes.