Data tables can be saved to numerous file or object types. You may be familiar w
ID: 3912994 • Letter: D
Question
Data tables can be saved to numerous file or object types. You may be familiar with table objects that are created using Microsoft Excel. Such tables will have an extension of .xls or .xlsx. There are other file or object types that can store data such as .csv or .txt. Included here is three different file types to store the same data set. Consider exploring the file types by opening with a simple text editor first (notepad or text edit for example).
a. What are some differences between the table types?
b. Why might a .csv or .txt file be preferred over an .xlsx file?
c. Consider any limitations or obstacles that a person may experience when attempting to use the file or load in different types of software.
Explanation / Answer
a. CSV(Comma Separated Values) files is a plain text (ANSI) format that stores data as a series of values(cells) separated by commas(,) in a series of lines(rows). A CSV file can be opened and modified in a regular text editor. Furthermore, there are many applications capable of reading CSV files, and many languages provide built in functions that simplify reading/ writing CSV format.
On the other hand, XLS is an Microsoft Excel workbook binary file, which holds information about all the worksheets in a workbook, comprising both content and formatting (colouring, formatting, etc), and can also hold charts, images, etc. XLS files can only be read by applications that have been especially written to read their format, and can only be written in the same way
TXT is a plain text file format which can be opened using a text editor. It can store any type of formatted text as its contents. There is no limitation of what so ever text format. Due to ease of use for end users many daily data summary providers use .txt files.
b. CSV and TXT files are portable. It means that they can be used to transfer data between programs. Additionally, when the pupose is only to store text data and not perform any complex calculations on them, CSV files may prove advantageous. Also, on requirement they can be imported into any program of choice for data maipulation. CSV and TXT files are also signifcantly smaller in size than XLSX files.
c. When it comes to XLS and XLSX files, they can be read only by programs built specifially to do so. While this does seem an obstacle, it provides security against data leaks. However, it becomes difficult to store a database for an application in this format as reding/ wrting would become difficult.
CSV and TXT are extremely portable formats and can be used aross a variety of platforms. This however, makes them vulnerable to data corruption. Also the contents can easily be viewed by simply opening the file in a text editor.
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