CSV, or Comma-separated values file, was created to save information in tabular format. In a nutshell, it’s a plain text document with a list of certain data. This type of document simplifies the process of exchanging data between different applications.
As the name implies, these files in most cases use a comma to separate data. Sometimes other characters. A semicolon can also be used instead of a comma. Any spreadsheet program (e.g. Microsoft Excel) is suitable for CSV files. The main difference is that in this file type only a single sheet can be in a file at a time and it’s impossible to save a column or a row. Formulas can’t be saved here either.
The structure of this file type is rather simple: a list of data separated by comma characters. A more complicated structure would contain a huge number of lines, long strings of text, or more entries.
Since it’s a plain text, it’s easier to be imported into any spreadsheet regardless of the software. Moreover, the format is safe because it makes a clear distinction between words and numeric values. The information is stored as it is without any manipulations. And finally, this document form can be opened with any editor in Windows.
So there are some times when you're going to want to create a CSV or comma separated values file a lot of times there will be websites that will ask for this especially when you're uploading a class list for example you might be trying to use the website grade cam and it's asking you to come up with a CSV file for each class first thing you're going to want to do is get an excel file of your class hopefully whatever student management software you're using can generate this file for you once you create a file just like this sample file here you're going to want to delete all the extra information so for example in my situation all I need is ID number last name and first name I don't need any of these columns right here so what I'm going to do is I'm going to click on the top column right here right on that letter d and you can see here that when I get up to that spot my pointer turns into an arrow from AK across to an arrow so I'm going to click on that then I'm going to hold down the shift button and go all the way over to the last column that I want to delete click on that as well now I've highlighted everything what you're going to do now is again on one of these letters of top making sure you have that downward facing arrow you're going to right click on here if you are on a Mac sometimes you might need to click ctrl click if you don't have right-click enabled then I'm going to scroll down to delete now they're all gone I also have this row right here I want to get rid of same thing I'm going to go over to the number again I have the arrow I'm going to click on it right click and delete now I'm ready to save this file so I'm going to go up to file click Save as and then you want to choose the format that says comma separated values or CSV once you do that choose where you want to save it give it a name and click Save it'll ask you if you are sure you want to continue just say yes and then you're all done and now you have your CSV file ready to be uploaded to whatever site you need it thanks for watching and don't forget to check out all of my tips at the tech savvy science teacher blog spot.com thank you.