A text file having the extension .csv, which contains fields of data separated by commas and a carriage return/linefeed at the end of each record. The extension .csv stands for comma-separated values.
These files are often used as a standard format for importing and exporting information between applications.
For example, in Microsoft Exchange Server you can modify the properties of a group of mailboxes by exporting the properties of the mailboxes to a .csv file, opening this file as a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, modifying the properties using string functions and search/replace, exporting the information back into another .csv file, and then importing the modified file back into Exchange.
Many applications can export log files or other information as .csv files. These files can then be imported into a spreadsheet or database program where they can be subjected to further inspection and analysis. Graphics and charts can also be generated from the imported information.