Mastering CSV in Python

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on working with CSV files in Python. In this presentation, we will cover essential
techniques to import, read, write, and manipulate CSV data using the csv module.
Importing the csv module
1 Step 1: import csv

In order to work with CSV files, we need to import the csv module, which provides functions for handling CSV
data.

• Essential for handling CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files.

• Provides functions for reading from and writing to CSV files.

• Simplifies operations on tabular data

Opening the CSV file for reading
1 Step 2: with open('example.csv', 'r') as file

To read data from a CSV file, we use the 'open' function with the file name and the 'r' mode to indicate reading
mode.

• Essential step before reading or manipulating CSV data.

• Allows Python to establish a connection with the CSV file.

with open('example.csv', 'r') as file:: This line opens the CSV file named 'example.csv' for
reading.

'r': Specifies the file is opened in read-only mode.

as file: Assigns the file object to the variable file for easy reference.
Creating a CSV reader object

1 Step 3: csv.reader(file)

After opening the CSV file, we create a CSV reader object, which allows us to read and iterate through the rows
of the file.

An interface provided by the csv module to read data from a CSV file.

• It facilitates the efficient traversal of rows in the CSV file.

csv.reader(file): This line creates a CSV reader object associated with the opened CSV file (file).
Iterating through the rows
1 Step 4: for row in csv_reader

Once we have the CSV reader object, we can use a loop to iterate through each row in the CSV file and extract
the data we need.

• Essential for extracting and processing data row by row.

• Enables the analysis of each record within the CSV file

for row in csv_reader:: This loop iterates through each row in the CSV file, executing the indented
code for each row.

row: Represents the current row being processed.

Opening the CSV file for writing
1 Step 5: with open('output.csv', 'w', newline='') as file

If we want to create a new CSV file or modify an existing one, we can open it in writing mode by specifying the
'w' mode.

with open('output.csv', 'w', newline='') as file:: This line opens the CSV file named
'output.csv' for writing.

'w': Specifies the file is opened in write mode.

newline='': Ensures consistent handling of line endings for cross-platform compatibility.

as file: Assigns the file object to the variable file for easy reference.
Creating a CSV writer object
1 Step 6: csv.writer(file)

After opening the CSV file for writing, we create a CSV writer object, enabling us to write data into the file in
CSV format.

An interface provided by the csv module to write data to a CSV file.

• It simplifies the process of writing structured data into CSV format.

csv.writer(file): This line creates a CSV writer object associated with the opened CSV file (file).
In Summary
Master csv module

Learn to work with CSV files efficiently by mastering the csv module. From importing to reading, writing, and
manipulation, become an expert in handling CSV data in Python.