A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a plain text file that stores tabular data (numbers and text) in a simple, structured format. Each line in the file represents a row of data, and the values within each row are separated by commas. While commas are the most common delimiter, other characters like semicolons, tabs, or spaces can also be used. CSV files are widely used for data exchange between different applications and systems because of their simplicity and compatibility. They can be easily opened and edited in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc, as well as in text editors. The lack of formatting and complex features makes them lightweight and efficient for storing and transferring large datasets. CSV files are often used for exporting data from databases, importing data into applications, and storing configuration settings. They are a fundamental format for data analysis, reporting, and data migration tasks. Despite their simplicity, CSV files can handle a wide range of data types, including numbers, text, and dates. However, they do not support complex data structures or formatting, which may be a limitation in some cases.