5 Best Ways to Convert CSV to ODS in Python

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💡 Problem Formulation: Converting data from a CSV file to an OpenDocument Spreadsheet (ODS) format is a common requirement for data analysts and software developers working with various data systems. An example of input would be a standard CSV file containing comma-separated values, and the desired output is an ODS file that can be opened with spreadsheet software like LibreOffice Calc or OpenOffice Calc.

Method 1: Using the pandas and odfpy Libraries

This method involves using the Python pandas library to read the CSV data and then the odfpy library to write an ODS file. pandas provides data structures and data analysis tools, while odfpy allows you to create ODF (OpenDocument Format) documents.

Here’s an example:

import pandas as pd
from odf.opendocument import OpenDocumentSpreadsheet
from odf.table import Table, TableRow, TableCell
from odf.text import P

# Load the CSV data into a DataFrame
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')

# Create a new ODS document
ods = OpenDocumentSpreadsheet()

# Add a table
table = Table(name="MyTable")
ods.spreadsheet.addElement(table)

# Populate the table with data from the DataFrame
for row in df.itertuples():
    tr = TableRow()
    table.addElement(tr)
    for cell in row:
        tc = TableCell()
        tr.addElement(tc)
        tc.addElement(P(text=str(cell)))

# Save the ODS file
ods.save("output.ods")

The output would be an ODS file named “output.ods” containing the data from “data.csv”.

In this example, we import the necessary modules, read the CSV file into a DataFrame, create a new ODS document, and then populate it with data from the DataFrame. We loop through each row of the DataFrame, adding a new TableRow and TableCell for each value, and then save the ODS file.

Method 2: Using the pyexcel and pyexcel-ods Libraries

The pyexcel library provides uniform API for handling different file formats, and pyexcel-ods is a plugin for ODS format support. Together, they simplify file conversion processes.

Here’s an example:

import pyexcel as pe

# Read CSV data
records = pe.get_records(file_name="data.csv")

# Save records to an ODS file
pe.save_as(records=records, dest_file_name="output.ods")

The output is an ODS file with the contents of “data.csv”.

This code snippet demonstrates the simplicity of using pyexcel for file conversions. We first read CSV data into a list of dictionaries, which is then saved directly to an ODS file using pyexcel‘s save_as function.

Method 3: Using csv and ezodf Libraries

The Python csv module provides functionalities to read and write CSV files, and ezodf is a package to create and parse ODF files. Together they can convert CSV to ODS with more manual control.

Here’s an example:

import csv
import ezodf

# Create a new spreadsheet
spreadsheet = ezodf.NewSpreadsheet()
sheet = ezodf.Table('Sheet1')
spreadsheet.sheets += sheet

# Open the CSV file and read contents
with open('data.csv', 'r') as csvfile:
    reader = csv.reader(csvfile, delimiter=',')
    for row in reader:
        cells = [ezodf.Cell(value) for value in row]
        sheet.append_rows([cells])

# Save as ODS
spreadsheet.saveas('output.ods')

The resulting file is “output.ods”, containing the structured data from “data.csv”.

This snippet uses csv.reader to iterate over all the rows of the CSV. For each row, it creates a list of ezodf.Cell objects and appends it as a row to the sheet. Finally, it saves the sheet as an ODS file.

Method 4: Using Command Line Tools like unoconv

For users comfortable with the command line, unoconv is a command line utility that allows conversion between different office document formats supported by LibreOffice/OpenOffice.

Here’s an example:

# In your terminal, run the following command:
unoconv -f ods -o output.ods data.csv

After executing the above command, you will get an ODS file named “output.ods”.

This command uses unoconv to convert a CSV file into an ODS format. The parameters -f and -o specify the desired output format and the output file name, respectively.

Bonus One-Liner Method 5: Using soffice Conversion

LibreOffice’s soffice command line can also be used to perform the conversion in a concise one-liner.

Here’s an example:

# In your terminal, run the following command:
soffice --headless --convert-to ods data.csv

This will create a file named “data.ods” using the original CSV filename as the base.

The one-liner uses the soffice command in headless mode, which means without the GUI, to convert a CSV file to an ODS format with the --convert-to option.

Summary/Discussion

  • Method 1: pandas and odfpy. Strengths: Provides precise control over the data and formatting. Weaknesses: Requires knowledge of both libraries and involves more coding.
  • Method 2: pyexcel and pyexcel-ods. Strengths: Easy and straightforward with minimal coding. Weaknesses: Less control over advanced formatting options.
  • Method 3: csv and ezodf. Strengths: More control than pyexcel while still maintaining ease of use. Weaknesses: Involves more steps than other methods and requires understanding of two separate libraries.
  • Method 4: unoconv. Strengths: Command line utility that is quick and easy for users familiar with command line interfaces. Weaknesses: External dependency on LibreOffice/OpenOffice and not a pure Python solution.
  • Bonus Method 5: soffice conversion. Strengths: Quick one-liner command, useful for scripting. Weaknesses: Requires LibreOffice and is not a Python-based solution.