17 Mar 2019, 13:09
I can't speak for what others might think, but my opinion is that you really don't need Excel (.xlsx), other than it being the dominant format on the Windows OS and used in business. Excel is often something that people are semi-forced to use, because that's what is in the office and/or their friends can't use other formats. There is say .ods, which is the format of Open Office and LibreOffice, but Microsoft would prefer that you use their's instead. And out of habit, many people and companies follow along. Microsoft, but to be fair so does it's competition, tries to lock you into their format and group of products.
Programmatically and agnostically, .csv files are more universal, and arguably better. As it's just data, more programs can use it, including those that you create. Your program could do all the formatting and visual effects. This includes your friends or business partners being able to use .csv as well. When you stop and think about it, those numbers that you are saving, don't need all kinds of additional crap injected into it by Microsoft or other companies. However, if you do that, you won't have all kinds of formatting and fluff that others might want, expect, or are used to seeing. So it's a kind of depends situation. If you or others that you are dealing with don't need fluff, then .csv files are fine. If they need or want the fluff, then there you go, Excel and .xlsx format.
Another aspect of .csv files is they are easier to import or export from different types of databases. Of course there is the Microsoft Access database, but it's not so dominant in this area. There are many other types of database software from many different companies in use. But again, that's relative. If the people you are dealing with only want to use Excel and .xlsx, then there might not be any other choice, but to import or export out to that format from the database that you are using. Though when databases are involved, people and companies do tend to be a bit more flexible, versus situations where they want to just view a spreadsheet or PowerPoint presentation. PowerPoint being another tricky topic and format, where it depends if you are just presenting it or that people want to view copies of the presentation. Maybe they will accept it as a PDF or maybe they will expect a .ppt. It kind of shows how dominant Microsoft has been in terms of market share and people's minds, even though something else could be used.
