using IronXL; using System; using System.Linq; // Supported for XLSX, XLS, XLSM, XLTX, CSV and TSV WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("sample.xlsx"); // Select worksheet at index 0 WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0]; // Get any existing worksheet WorkSheet firstSheet = workBook.DefaultWorkSheet; // Select a cell and return the converted value int cellValue = workSheet["A2"].IntValue; // Read from ranges of cells elegantly. foreach (var cell in workSheet["A2:A10"]) { Console.WriteLine("Cell {0} has value '{1}'", cell.AddressString, cell.Text); } // Calculate aggregate values such as Min, Max and Sum decimal sum = workSheet["A2:A10"].Sum(); // Linq compatible decimal max = workSheet["A2:A10"].Max(c => c.DecimalValue);

using IronSoftware.Drawing; using IronXL; using IronXL.Styles; using System.Linq; WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("sample.xls"); WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets.First(); var range = workSheet["A1:H10"]; var cell = range.First(); // Set background color of the cell with an rgb string cell.Style.SetBackgroundColor("#428D65"); // Apply styling to the whole range. // Set underline property to the font // FontUnderlineType is enum that stands for different types of font underlying range.Style.Font.Underline = FontUnderlineType.SingleAccounting; // Define whether to use horizontal line through the text or not range.Style.Font.Strikeout = false; // Define whether the font is bold or not range.Style.Font.Bold = true; // Define whether the font is italic or not range.Style.Font.Italic = false; // Get or set script property of a font // Font script enum stands for available options range.Style.Font.FontScript = FontScript.Super; // Set the type of the border line // There are also TopBorder,LeftBorder,RightBorder,DiagonalBorder properties // BorderType enum indicates the line style of a border in a cell range.Style.BottomBorder.Type = BorderType.MediumDashed; // Indicate whether the cell should be auto-sized range.Style.ShrinkToFit = true; // Set alignment of the cell range.Style.VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Bottom; // Set border color range.Style.DiagonalBorder.SetColor("#20C96F"); // Define border type and border direction as well range.Style.DiagonalBorder.Type = BorderType.Thick; // DiagonalBorderDirection enum stands for direction of diagonal border inside cell range.Style.DiagonalBorderDirection = DiagonalBorderDirection.Forward; // Set background color of cells range.Style.SetBackgroundColor(Color.Aquamarine); // Set fill pattern of the cell // FillPattern enum indicates the style of fill pattern range.Style.FillPattern = FillPattern.Diamonds; // Set the number of spaces to intend the text range.Style.Indention = 5; // Indicate if the text is wrapped range.Style.WrapText = true; workBook.SaveAs("stylingOptions.xls");

Published November 23, 2023

C# CSV Library (Developer Tutorial)

In the world of data processing and manipulation, CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files serve as a ubiquitous and straightforward way to store and exchange structured data. When working with CSV files in C#, a reliable and efficient library can be a game-changer. C# provides a rich ecosystem of libraries and tools designed to simplify CSV file handling, making it easier than ever to read, write, and manipulate data in this format.

Whether you're automating data import/export tasks, conducting data analysis, or integrating CSV data into your software applications, leveraging the capabilities of C# CSV libraries can save you time and effort. These files are used to store large quantity of data because a bug in this data can be easily fixed using CSV bug fix techniques and unit test specific significant tests.

In this article, we will delve into the world of C# exploring the features, methods, and techniques to efficiently work with any CSV file, enhancing your data-driven projects and simplifying the handling of structured data for this purpose we will use the one on the most advanced CSV Library named IronXL.

How to Create Read and Export a CSV File

Install the C# library for Creating Reading and Exporting CSV File.
Utilize the WorkBook.Create method to create a new workbook.
Create CSV file using workBook.SaveAs("test.csv") method.
Read CSV parsing Using WorkBook.Load Method.
Export CSV to XLSX format using the SaveAs method.

IronXL

IronXL stands as a formidable ally for C# developers venturing into the intricate realm of CSV file manipulation. As a dedicated CSV library, IronXL offers a streamlined and efficient approach to reading, writing, and handling CSV data, providing developers with a robust toolkit to navigate the complexities of comma-separated values.

Whether you're dealing with large datasets, implementing data import/export functionality, or striving for precision in data parsing, IronXL emerges as a reliable companion. In this article, we delve into the features and functionalities that make IronXL an indispensable asset for C# developers seeking a seamless and powerful solution for CSV file processing within their applications.

IronXL offer the perfect solution for spreadsheet Styling using code styling of workbook.

Create a New Visual Studio Project

To begin using IronXL, the initial step involves the creation of a fresh Visual Studio C# project or the loading of an existing one. The following steps outline the process of establishing a new project within Visual Studio.

Step 1

Launch Visual Studio and navigate to the "File" menu. A dropdown menu will unfold; within this menu, opt for "New." Subsequently, a side menu will materialize, prompting you to choose "Project."

Step 2

A new window will emerge. Within this window, access the search bar and type "console application." Identify the first program as one with the C# option and proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 3

Another configuration window will present itself. Here, input the project name, specify the project location, and then proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 4

The final window will surface, allowing you to select the target framework. Conclude the process by clicking "Create."

Installing CSV Library IronXL

Now that your project is set up, let's add the IronXL C# library. Follow these steps to install IronXL in your C#

Step 1

Open Visual Studio and navigate to Tools. A dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select the NuGet Package Manager.

Step 2

In the NuGet Package Manager, choose the option for Solutions from the side menu that appears.

C# CSV Library (Developer Tutorial) Figure 1

Step 3

A new window will pop up. Within this window, navigate to the browser tab. In the search bar, type "IronXL." A list of IronXL packages will be displayed. Choose the latest package from the list and click on the Install button.

C# CSV Library (Developer Tutorial) Figure 2

You can also use Package manager console to install the IronXL.

Creating a CSV file Using IronXL

In this section we will create a CSV file using .NET library IronXL. Below is the source code of creating a CSV file using C# .NET Core.

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Create();
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.CreateWorkSheet("new_sheet");
workSheet["A1"].Value = "Hello World";
workSheet["B1"].Value = "500";
workSheet["C1"].Value = "CSV";
workSheet["D1"].Value = "Files";
workBook.SaveAs("test.csv");

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Create();
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.CreateWorkSheet("new_sheet");
workSheet["A1"].Value = "Hello World";
workSheet["B1"].Value = "500";
workSheet["C1"].Value = "CSV";
workSheet["D1"].Value = "Files";
workBook.SaveAs("test.csv");

Imports IronXL
Private workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Create()
Private workSheet As WorkSheet = workBook.CreateWorkSheet("new_sheet")
Private workSheet("A1").Value = "Hello World"
Private workSheet("B1").Value = "500"
Private workSheet("C1").Value = "CSV"
Private workSheet("D1").Value = "Files"
workBook.SaveAs("test.csv")

VB C#

This C# code utilizes the IronXL library to create a new Excel workbook (workBook) and adds a worksheet named "new_sheet" to it. The code then populates cells A1, B1, C1, and D1 with the values "Hello World," "500," "CSV," and "Files," respectively. Finally, it saves the workbook as a CSV file named "test.csv." The IronXL library simplifies Excel-related tasks in C#

> OUTPUT:  
> Hello World,500,CSV,Files

Reading and writing CSV Files

IronXL Supports reading and writing CSV files in C# code. In this section we will read a CSV file and print the file in the console.

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv");
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0];
System.Console.WriteLine(workSheet);

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv");
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0];
System.Console.WriteLine(workSheet);

Imports IronXL
Private workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv")
Private workSheet As WorkSheet = workBook.WorkSheets(0)
System.Console.WriteLine(workSheet)

VB C#

This C# code uses the IronXL library to load an existing CSV file named "test.new_sheet.csv" as an Excel workbook (workBook) using filename. It then accesses the first worksheet in the workbook (workSheet). Finally, it prints information about the worksheet to the console using System.Console.WriteLine(). The WorkBook.Load method is used to load an existing Excel file, and the workBook.WorkSheets[0] expression retrieves the first worksheet from the workbook.

C# CSV Library (Developer Tutorial) Figure 3

Exporting CSV document Using IronXL

Using IronXL Developers can export a CSV File to other Excel formats. Here we will export a CSV file into XLSX file.

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv");
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0];
workBook.SaveAs("sample.xlsx");

using IronXL;
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv");
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.WorkSheets[0];
workBook.SaveAs("sample.xlsx");

Imports IronXL
Private workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Load("test.new_sheet.csv")
Private workSheet As WorkSheet = workBook.WorkSheets(0)
workBook.SaveAs("sample.xlsx")

VB C#

This C# code utilizes the IronXL library to load an existing CSV file named "test.new_sheet.csv" as an Excel workbook (workBook). It then accesses the first worksheet in the workbook (workSheet). Subsequently, it saves the entire workbook, including the loaded worksheet, as an Excel file named "sample.xlsx" using the workBook.SaveAs("sample.xlsx") statement.

This code effectively converts an object from a CSV file to an Excel file, taking advantage of IronXL's functionality to handle different spreadsheet formats.

C# CSV Library (Developer Tutorial) Figure 4

Conclusion

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide explores the realm of C# CSV file manipulation, emphasizing the significance of efficient libraries for handling structured data. CSV files play a vital role in data exchange, and C#

The focus shifts to IronXL, a dedicated C# CSV library that proves to be an invaluable asset for developers. From creating and reading CSV files to exporting them to other formats like XLSX, IronXL simplifies complex tasks, making it an essential companion for those navigating the intricacies of CSV file manipulation in C#

The step-by-step guide provides insights into setting up a Visual Studio project, installing the IronXL library, and demonstrates practical examples of creating, reading, and exporting CSV files. Ultimately, IronXL emerges as a powerful solution, enhancing the efficiency and ease of handling CSV data within C# applications.

The complete article on how to read a CSV file can be found here. Also, the tutorial and code examples of creating CSV files are available in this link.

IronXL offers a free trial, providing users with an opportunity to test out its complete functionality. To continue to benefit from using IronXL, developers can purchase a commercial license.