Converting Various Tabular Data Formats to CSV using 'in2csv' (with examples)

Converting Various Tabular Data Formats to CSV using 'in2csv' (with examples)

The in2csv command, part of the comprehensive csvkit suite, is a powerful utility designed to convert different tabular data formats into CSV files. It is invaluable for data analysts and engineers who need to manipulate and analyze data stored in non-CSV formats. As CSV is a universally accepted format compatible with most data processing and visualization tools, being able to efficiently convert to CSV enhances data accessibility and reuse.

Convert an XLS file to CSV

Code:

in2csv data.xls

Motivation:

XLS files are a common format for holding text data from sources like Microsoft Excel. However, they can be cumbersome to process with scripting languages and tools that prefer CSV for data ingestion. Converting an XLS file to CSV allows for more efficient processing in environments where tools are primed to ingest data using simple text-based formats like CSV.

Explanation:

  • in2csv: This is the command that invokes the tool to perform the conversion task.
  • data.xls: This is the source file that contains the data to be converted. The command reads this XLS file to transform it into a CSV format.

Example Output:

Imagine the XLS file contains the following data:

NameAgeCity
Alice28New York
Bob34Chicago

The resulting CSV output would be:

Name,Age,City
Alice,28,New York
Bob,34,Chicago

Convert a DBF file to a CSV file

Code:

in2csv data.dbf > data.csv

Motivation:

DBF files, often originating from legacy database applications, are not as portable or accessible as CSV files. Converting a DBF file to CSV simplifies data handling and ensures broader usability in modern data processing workflows.

Explanation:

  • in2csv: This command is used to perform the conversion of DBF data.
  • data.dbf: This file path points to the DBF file that you want to convert.
  • >: This operator redirects the output from the screen to a file.
  • data.csv: This is the filename where the resulting CSV data will be stored.

Example Output:

If the DBF file content is:

ProductPriceStock
Apple1.20150
Banana0.50200

The resulting CSV file (data.csv) will contain:

Product,Price,Stock
Apple,1.20,150
Banana,0.50,200

Convert a specific sheet from an XLSX file to CSV

Code:

in2csv --sheet=sheet_name data.xlsx

Motivation:

Excel workbooks (XLSX files) can contain multiple sheets, each potentially representing a different dataset. Sometimes you only need to analyze or export data from a specific sheet, not the entire workbook. This functionality allows for selective extraction, keeping the data handling precise and efficient.

Explanation:

  • in2csv: Invokes the conversion tool.
  • --sheet=sheet_name: Specifies the particular sheet to be converted. Replace sheet_name with the exact name of the sheet as it appears in the Excel file.
  • data.xlsx: This file is the Excel workbook from which you’re converting one specific sheet to CSV.

Example Output:

Consider an XLSX file with these sheets: “Sales,” “Inventory,” and “Employees.” The “Sales” sheet has:

DateAmount
2023-01-015000
2023-01-027300

Using the command with --sheet=Sales, you would obtain:

Date,Amount
2023-01-01,5000
2023-01-02,7300

Pipe a JSON file to in2csv

Code:

cat data.json | in2csv -f json > data.csv

Motivation:

JSON format is prevalent in web applications and APIs but not always ideal for tabular data manipulation and analysis tasks. By converting JSON to CSV, you streamline data import processes into tools designed for handling CSVs, such as spreadsheet software and database systems.

Explanation:

  • cat data.json: This part reads the content of data.json and sends it to the standard output.
  • |: The pipe operator sends the output of cat to the next part of the command chain.
  • in2csv -f json: This portion reads the piped JSON data and specifies with -f json that the format of incoming data is JSON.
  • > data.csv: Redirects the converted data into data.csv file.

Example Output:

Given a JSON file:

[
  {"name": "Alice", "age": 28, "city": "New York"},
  {"name": "Bob", "age": 34, "city": "Chicago"}
]

The data.csv file would then contain:

name,age,city
Alice,28,New York
Bob,34,Chicago

Conclusion:

The in2csv command is a vital tool for anyone dealing with data in diverse formats. Whether handling legacy files or modern structured data, it provides a reliable means of converting various tabular formats into the familiar CSV format, ensuring broad compatibility and facilitating seamless data processing. Its ability to focus on specific data parts in more complex files increases its utility even further, making it an indispensable part of a data engineer or analyst’s toolkit.

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