While preparing a small dataset for cross-team work, a data analyst exports the table as a tab-delimited text file (.tsv) before emailing it to colleagues. From the analyst's perspective, which characteristic of the tab-delimited format provides a practical advantage for collaboration?
It automatically compresses the dataset to reduce file size during transfer.
It stores referential-integrity constraints that enforce relationships between tables.
It embeds XML-style headers that preserve column data types and formats.
It can be opened by a wide variety of spreadsheet, scripting, and analytics tools without special drivers.
Tab-delimited files are simple plain-text files in which the tab character separates each column. Because the structure is non-proprietary and requires no special drivers, almost every spreadsheet application (Excel, Google Sheets), scripting language (Python, R), and analytics platform can open or save TSV files. The format itself does not compress data, embed metadata, or enforce referential-integrity rules; those tasks must be handled by external processes.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why are tab-delimited files compatible with many tools?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some common use cases for tab-delimited files?