JSON vs CSV: When to Use Each Format (and How to Convert Between Them)

## JSON vs CSV at a Glance | Feature | JSON | CSV | |---------|------|-----| | Nested data | ✅ Yes | ❌ Flat only | | File size | Larger | Compact | | Excel compatible | ❌ Not directly | ✅ Yes | | JavaScript native | ✅ Yes | Needs parsing | | Database import | Varies | ✅ Most DBs | ## When to Use JSON JSON is the right choice when your data has **nested or hierarchical structure**, you're building a **REST API**, or you're storing **configuration**. ## When to Use CSV CSV wins when your data is purely **flat/tabular**, you need to open it in **Excel or Google Sheets**, or you're doing a **database import**. ## Converting Between Formats **JSON to CSV:** Paste your JSON array and download a clean CSV. **CSV to JSON:** Upload or paste your CSV and get a JSON array. **JSON to XML:** For SOAP APIs and legacy systems.