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Why are CSV and TSV useful export format options when returning query results?

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Final answer:

CSV and TSV are popular for data portability and compatibility, with no inherent 'correctness' between them. Choice depends on data needs and system compatibility, while data grouping in these formats affect readability and parsing.

Step-by-step explanation:

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) and TSV (Tab-Separated Values) are useful export format options when returning query results because they are text-based file formats that facilitate data portability and compatibility across different systems. These formats are widely supported by many software programs, including spreadsheet applications and databases, making it easy to import and export data.

Neither CSV nor TSV is more 'correct' than the other; the choice between them typically depends on the specific needs of the data and the systems in use. For instance, TSV might be preferred if the data contains many commas which could be confused with the field separator.

In terms of grouping data, CSV and TSV files generally organize data into rows, with each row representing a single record. Fields are separated by commas (CSV) or tabs (TSV), and the manner of grouping can affect readability and parsing. For example, TSV may be easier to read when viewing raw data due to the wider spaces between fields.

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