In data exchange workflows, which format is most suitable for simple tabular transfers?

• A. JSON
• B. XML
• C. CSV
• D. YAML

Answer: (C)

For simple tabular transfers, CSV is the best choice because it directly maps to a table: each line represents a row and columns are separated by a delimiter, usually a comma. This plain, lightweight structure makes it effortless to generate, read, and import into spreadsheets or databases, and it’s supported by virtually every data tool and programming language. The format keeps overhead low and processing fast, which is ideal when the goal is to move flat, row-and-column data without extra markup.

Keep in mind CSV doesn’t carry explicit data types or a schema, and fields containing the delimiter, quotes, or line breaks require careful escaping. Other formats like JSON, XML, and YAML are better for nested or richly structured data, but for straightforward tables CSV stays the simplest and most efficient fit.