# CSV

> CSV stands for comma-separated values, a text format for tables with one record per line; on our pharma pages it also stands for computer system validation, which has its own entry.

Original page: https://t10.de/en/glossary/csv
Publisher: total10 GmbH, https://t10.de/en/glossary

As a file format, CSV stores a table as text: one record per line, fields separated by commas, and an optional first line for the field names. [RFC 4180](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4180.txt), published in October 2005, documents the format and registers text/csv as its media type, the label by which software recognises a CSV file. The RFC is for information only and does not set an internet standard. It also notes that CSV had no formal specification, which left room for a wide variety of interpretations.

In practice, two systems that exchange CSV files therefore need to agree on the details, such as which columns come in which order. As CSV had no formal specification, such details are open to interpretation.

A system without an API can still be connected to our software, as long as it exports its data in a machine-readable format such as CSV. In a proof-of-delivery portal we built for a logistics business serving the pharmaceutical industry, for example, a mapping table can be filled and updated by CSV import.

On our pharma pages, CSV also stands for computer system validation. We deliberately do not offer that service; the term is explained under Validation.

## See also

- [Interface](https://t10.de/en/glossary/interface): An interface is the point at which two systems, programs or components meet and exchange data; the word also covers the user interface between a person and software.
- [SFTP](https://t10.de/en/glossary/sftp): SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) transfers files securely over a Secure Shell (SSH) connection; despite the name, it is a separate protocol from the older FTP.
- [Validation](https://t10.de/en/glossary/validation): In the EU GMP and GDP glossaries, validation is the action of proving that any procedure, process, equipment, material, activity or system actually leads to the expected results.
- [WMS](https://t10.de/en/glossary/wms): WMS stands for warehouse management system; according to the short description of VDI 3601, its task is to manage and optimise a company's internal storage and transport systems.

## Where the term appears

- [Stock alerts in pharma logistics, without a web shop](https://t10.de/en/blog/stock-alerts-pharma)
- [What non-GxP means for pharma business software](https://t10.de/en/blog/non-gxp-pharma-logistics)
- [Case study: knowledge platform for pharma logistics](https://t10.de/en/blog/knowledge-platform-pharma)
- [Shopware 5 end of life: what it means for a live shop, and your three options](https://t10.de/en/blog/shopware-5-end-of-support)
- [Pharma IT services: Non-GxP software](https://t10.de/en/pharma)
- [rasensamen-kaufen.de](https://t10.de/en/portfolio/rasensamen-kaufen-de)

## Sources

1. [RFC 4180: Common Format and MIME Type for Comma-Separated Values (CSV) Files (Oktober 2005, Informational)](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4180.txt), IETF (RFC Editor), accessed 2026-11-07