CSV Manager FAQ

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about the CSV Manager component. If you have a question that is not on this list, please submit the question and we will add it to the list.

• 1. What's so difficult about CSV parsing anyway?
• 2. Do you offer a trial version?
• 3. What versions of Java does CSV Manager work with?
• 4. Can CSV Manager handle really big files?
• 5. But I don't want to pay for a CSV parser!
• 6. Alright, but how big is the jar?
• 7. How fast is it?
• 8. Is the single-developer license just for one named developer?
• 9. Actually, I need a .Net CSV parser...

Answers

1. What's so difficult about CSV parsing anyway?

The CSV format actually isn't a proper format at all. In fact there is no formal definition. As a result, there are many variations of the basic format and special care has to be taken when parsing them. Read our article on CSV formats for more information.

2. Do you offer a trial version?

Sure we do! Just visit our trial download page for the details.

We also provide an online demo so that you can try out CSV Manager on your own CSV files right now, on thw web!

And finally, we offer a 12 month (1 year!) 100% refund period. So in effect you even get the equivalent of 12 month trial.

3. What versions of Java does CSV Manager work with?

CSV Manager should work with JDK 1.3 or higher on any platform supported by Java. We have tested with JDK 1.3.1 on Windows, and JDK 1.4.2 on Windows and Linux. If you come across a JDK 1.3 or higher version were CSV Manager does not work, please let us know about it.

4. Can CSV Manager handle really big files?

CSV Manager can work with CSV files of any size, the only constraints are the resources of your machine. Take a look at the performance analysis page for more details. CSV Manager can also handle streaming input, which means you can load lines from the CSV file one at a time.

5. But I don't want to pay for a CSV parser!

First, if you are a registered charity, academic institution, non-profit organisation or government body, you can get CSV Manager for free. See our public service policy for details.

We also recommend the Ostermiller CSV parser as a GPL alternative. But you might want to read our little sales pitch before deciding. We also provide a full return-on-investment analysis in case you need to make a case to the powers-that-be.

6. Alright, but how big is the jar?

0.19Mb. 197Kb. 201445 bytes.

7. How fast is it?

Over 1000 rows per second when parsing. We provide a full performance report and we provide the performance test source code so you can verify the results yourself.

8. Is the single-developer license just for one named developer?

Nope. It's a floating license. Any developer in your company can use it. It just means that only one developer at a time can work on code that calls the CSV Manager API. So you just have to decide who that person is for your team, at any given time. Some people use a bunny rabbit on top of their monitor (Just Kidding!!). Of course, if you rather not be bothered with keeping track, just invest in a team or business license and you'll never have to think about it again.

9. Actually, I need a .Net CSV parser...

We can happily recommend CSV Reader. This is an ultra-fast, highly focused CSV parser for the .Net framework.

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