csv-stringify vs papaparse vs fast-csv vs json2csv
CSV Processing Libraries Comparison
1 Year
csv-stringifypapaparsefast-csvjson2csvSimilar Packages:
What's CSV Processing Libraries?

CSV processing libraries are essential tools for handling comma-separated values (CSV) data in web development. They facilitate the conversion of data between different formats, such as JSON and CSV, enabling seamless data interchange between applications and services. These libraries offer various functionalities, including stringifying JSON objects into CSV format, parsing CSV files into JSON, and handling large datasets efficiently. By leveraging these libraries, developers can streamline data manipulation tasks, enhance performance, and improve the overall user experience when dealing with tabular data.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
csv-stringify4,445,6374,111916 kB513 months agoMIT
papaparse3,587,37812,805263 kB207a month agoMIT
fast-csv2,499,9561,6967.03 kB544 months agoMIT
json2csv1,194,1172,72551.2 kB172 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: csv-stringify vs papaparse vs fast-csv vs json2csv

Performance

  • csv-stringify:

    csv-stringify is optimized for performance and can handle large datasets efficiently. It provides options to control the output format and can be configured to minimize memory usage during the stringification process.

  • papaparse:

    PapaParse is highly performant and can handle large files due to its streaming capabilities. It also supports web workers for asynchronous parsing, which can significantly enhance performance in client-side applications.

  • fast-csv:

    fast-csv is designed for high performance, particularly with large CSV files. It utilizes a streaming approach that allows for processing data in chunks, reducing memory consumption and improving speed, making it suitable for real-time applications.

  • json2csv:

    json2csv is efficient for smaller datasets and offers a straightforward API for quick conversions. However, it may not perform as well with very large datasets compared to streaming libraries like fast-csv.

Ease of Use

  • csv-stringify:

    csv-stringify provides a flexible API that allows for extensive customization, but it may have a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its configuration options.

  • papaparse:

    PapaParse is very easy to use with a simple API and excellent documentation. It provides built-in features for handling edge cases, making it beginner-friendly.

  • fast-csv:

    fast-csv is user-friendly with a clear API, making it easy to get started. Its documentation is comprehensive, which aids in understanding its features quickly.

  • json2csv:

    json2csv is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for developers who need quick JSON to CSV conversions without complex configurations.

Streaming Support

  • csv-stringify:

    csv-stringify does not natively support streaming, which may limit its performance with very large datasets compared to streaming libraries.

  • papaparse:

    PapaParse supports streaming for both parsing and stringifying, enabling it to handle large files efficiently and providing a responsive user experience in web applications.

  • fast-csv:

    fast-csv excels in streaming support, allowing for efficient processing of large CSV files without loading the entire file into memory, making it ideal for applications that require real-time data handling.

  • json2csv:

    json2csv does not support streaming, which can be a limitation for applications dealing with large datasets that require efficient processing.

Error Handling

  • csv-stringify:

    csv-stringify provides basic error handling features, allowing developers to catch and manage errors during the stringification process, but it may require additional logic for complex scenarios.

  • papaparse:

    PapaParse provides excellent error handling, including the ability to manage malformed CSV data gracefully, making it a reliable choice for client-side applications that may encounter various data quality issues.

  • fast-csv:

    fast-csv offers robust error handling capabilities, allowing developers to manage errors during parsing and stringification effectively, making it suitable for applications that require high reliability.

  • json2csv:

    json2csv has limited error handling features, which may require developers to implement custom error management for more complex use cases.

Community and Support

  • csv-stringify:

    csv-stringify has a moderate community and support base, with documentation available but may not have as extensive community resources as some other libraries.

  • papaparse:

    PapaParse boasts a large community and extensive documentation, making it easy for developers to find help and resources, along with a variety of tutorials and examples.

  • fast-csv:

    fast-csv has a growing community and good support, with active development and a wealth of documentation and examples available to assist developers.

  • json2csv:

    json2csv has a solid community and is widely used, which means there are many resources, tutorials, and examples available for developers.

How to Choose: csv-stringify vs papaparse vs fast-csv vs json2csv
  • csv-stringify:

    Choose csv-stringify if you need a robust solution for converting JSON data into CSV format with a focus on customization and configuration options. It is particularly useful for generating CSV files that require specific formatting or handling of complex data structures.

  • papaparse:

    Use PapaParse if you need a versatile library that excels in both parsing and stringifying CSV data. It offers features like asynchronous parsing, support for large files, and the ability to handle malformed CSV data gracefully, making it an excellent choice for client-side applications.

  • fast-csv:

    Select fast-csv for its speed and efficiency in both parsing and stringifying CSV data. It is ideal for projects that handle large CSV files or require real-time processing due to its streaming capabilities and low memory footprint.

  • json2csv:

    Opt for json2csv if you require a straightforward and easy-to-use library for converting JSON data to CSV. It is well-suited for simple use cases where quick conversions are needed without extensive configuration or customization.

README for csv-stringify

CSV stringifier for Node.js and the web

Build Status NPM NPM

The csv-stringify package is a stringifier converting records into a CSV text and implementing the Node.js stream.Transform API. It also provides the easier synchronous and callback-based APIs for conveniency. It is both extremely easy to use and powerful. It was first released in 2010 and is tested against big data sets by a large community.

Documentation

Main features

  • Follow the Node.js streaming API
  • Simplicity with the optional callback API
  • Support for custom formatters, delimiters, quotes, escape characters and header
  • Support big datasets
  • Complete test coverage and samples for inspiration
  • Only 1 external dependency
  • to be used conjointly with csv-generate, csv-parse and stream-transform
  • MIT License

Usage

Run npm install csv to install the full CSV module or run npm install csv-stringify if you are only interested by the CSV stringifier.

The module is built on the Node.js Stream API. Use the callback and sync APIs for simplicity or the stream based API for scalability.

Example

The API is available in multiple flavors. This example illustrates the sync API.

import { stringify } from "csv-stringify/sync";
import assert from "assert";

const output = stringify([
  ["1", "2", "3", "4"],
  ["a", "b", "c", "d"],
]);

assert.equal(output, "1,2,3,4\na,b,c,d\n");

Development

Tests are executed with mocha. To install it, run npm install followed by npm test. It will install mocha and its dependencies in your project "node_modules" directory and run the test suite. The tests run against the CoffeeScript source files.

To generate the JavaScript files, run npm run build.

The test suite is run online with Travis. See the Travis definition file to view the tested Node.js version.

Contributors

The project is sponsored by Adaltas, an Big Data consulting firm based in Paris, France.