5 Best Ways to Convert Python CSV to XLSB Format

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💡 Problem Formulation: Converting CSV files to XLSB format is a common requirement for Python developers dealing with data analysis and reporting. This transformation allows for a more efficient storage and handling of large datasets within Excel, a ubiquitous data analysis tool. For example, the input could be a `data.csv` file containing sales records and the desired output is a `sales.xlsb` file that can be opened in Excel with improved performance and reduced file size.

Method 1: Using pandas with pyxlsb

Pandas is a powerful Python library for data manipulation, and it can be extended with the pyxlsb library to save data in the XLSB format. This method involves reading the CSV into a pandas DataFrame and then exporting the DataFrame to the XLSB format using the DataFrame’s to_excel() method, specifying the pyxlsb engine.

Here’s an example:

import pandas as pd

# Read the CSV file
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')

# Save to XLSB using pyxlsb
df.to_excel('sales.xlsb', engine='pyxlsb')

The output would be a ‘sales.xlsb’ file created in the current working directory.

This method is straightforward and utilizes pandas’ DataFrame structure, making it excellent for preserving tabular data formatting and features. However, the requirement of the third-party pyxlsb library might not suit environments where installing additional dependencies is an issue.

Method 2: Using openpyxl and XlsxWriter

By leveraging the openpyxl and XlsxWriter libraries, one can work with multiple Excel formats, including XLSX, which can then be manually converted to XLSB in Excel. First, you convert the CSV to XLSX, and then manually open and save it as XLSB in Excel.

Here’s an example:

import pandas as pd

# Read the CSV file
df = pd.read_csv('data.csv')

# Save to XLSX using XlsxWriter
with pd.ExcelWriter('sales.xlsx', engine='xlsxwriter') as writer:
    df.to_excel(writer)

After running the code, you’d need to open ‘sales.xlsx’ in Excel and save as ‘sales.xlsb’.

This workaround involves an extra manual step and does not provide a direct CSV to XLSB conversion. It’s helpful when automation is not critical, and file conversion reliability is essential. Using openpyxl and XlsxWriter offers high compatibility with Excel’s features but lacks the convenience of direct and automated XLSB file creation.

Method 3: Automating Excel with win32com

Python’s win32com.client module allows users to automate Excel directly, enabling the conversion of CSV to XLSB through Excel’s interface. This method requires having Excel installed and is specific to Windows OS.

Here’s an example:

import win32com.client as win32

excel = win32.gencache.EnsureDispatch('Excel.Application')
wb = excel.Workbooks.OpenCSV('C:\\path\\to\\data.csv')
wb.SaveAs('C:\\path\\to\\sales.xlsb', FileFormat=50)  # 50 is the code for XLSB file format
excel.Application.Quit()

The script opens the CSV file in Excel and saves it as an XLSB.

While this method is powerful due to its ability to utilize all of Excel’s features, it’s limited to Windows and requires Excel to be installed. It’s not suitable for environments where cross-platform compatibility or automation without Excel’s GUI is required.

Method 4: Using Aspose.Cells for Python via Java

Aspose.Cells for Python via Java is a library that provides rich functionalities for spreadsheet formats, including XLSB. It allows developers to convert CSV files to XLSB directly without needing an Excel installation.

Here’s an example:

from asposecells.api import Workbook

# Load the CSV file into Aspose.Cells
workbook = Workbook('data.csv')

# Save the document in XLSB format
workbook.save('sales.xlsb', SaveFormat.XLSB)

The output is a ‘sales.xlsb’ file.

This method offers a robust solution for server-side processing and supports a wide range of spreadsheet features. However, it requires Java and is less known in the Python community, which may pose a learning curve for some developers.

Bonus One-Liner Method 5: Shell Command with ssconvert

ssconvert is a utility that comes with the Gnumeric package and allows for command-line conversion of CSV to various formats. One line of shell command can get the job done.

Here’s an example:

!ssconvert data.csv sales.xlsb

This command would convert ‘data.csv’ to ‘sales.xlsb’ using the terminal.

Although extremely succinct, this method requires the installation of Gnumeric and works best in a Unix-like environment, making it less portable for Windows users without additional software like Cygwin.

Summary/Discussion

  • Method 1: Pandas with pyxlsb. Straightforward with familiar tools. Requires third-party library.
  • Method 2: openpyxl and XlsxWriter. High compatibility with Excel features. Requires manual step of converting to XLSB.
  • Method 3: win32com automation. Utilizes Excel’s full capabilities. Windows-specific and requires Excel.
  • Method 4: Aspose.Cells for Python via Java. Direct conversion without Excel. Requires Java and is less known.
  • Method 5: Shell Command with ssconvert. Simple one-liner. Requires Gnumeric package and Unix-like environment.