CSV-Nexus Shell

CSV-Nexus Shell is a Python-based interactive command-line application for managing, viewing, sorting, and merging CSV datasets. The tool is designed to simplify the process of working with tabular data files.

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Features

• Merge CSV Files: Combine multiple CSV files into a single dataset, provided the headers match.
• View Dataset: Display the current dataset in a well-aligned, human-readable format.
• Sort Dataset: Sort the dataset based on any column, with optional reverse sorting.
• Export Dataset: Save the current dataset to a new CSV file.

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Setup Instructions

1. Prerequisites

Download the executable

2. Preparing the Environment

Place the script (csv_nexus.exe) and any CSV files you want to work with in the same directory.

3. Running the Script

Run the script in a terminal or command prompt:

csv_nexus input_directory

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Usage Guide

Once the script is running, you will see a prompt: CSV-Nexus:. From here, you can use the following commands:

1. Exit the Shell

Command: exit
Description: Exits the CSV-Nexus Shell.
Example:

CSV-Nexus: exit

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2. Add a CSV File

Command: add
Description: Lists available CSV files in the current directory and merges the selected file into the current dataset. The headers of the new file must match the existing dataset.
Example:

CSV-Nexus: add

• Select a file by entering its number from the displayed list.

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3. View the Current Dataset

Command: view
Description: Displays the current dataset in an aligned, tabular format for easy readability.
Example:

CSV-Nexus: view

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4. Sort the Dataset

Command: sort
Description: Sorts the dataset by a specified column. You will be prompted to:

• Choose a column number.
• Decide if the sort should be in reverse order.

Example:

CSV-Nexus: sort

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5. Export the Dataset

Command: export
Description: Exports the current dataset to a new CSV file. You will be prompted to provide a filename.
Example:

CSV-Nexus: export
Name of the file to export: sorted_data.csv

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File Structure

The application relies on a supporting library (lib.py) to handle CSV operations. This file should include:

• load_csv(file_path): Function to read a CSV file and return its header and data.
• equality_check(header1, header2): Function to verify if two headers match.
• sort_data(data, header, column, reverse): Function to sort data by a specified column.
• write_csv(file_name, data, header): Function to write the dataset to a CSV file.

Ensure lib.py is in the same directory as csv_nexus_shell.py.

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Error Handling

• Header Mismatch: If the headers of a new CSV file do not match the current dataset, an error will be raised.
• Invalid Input: The shell prompts for numeric input when necessary and validates it.

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Examples

Example: Adding and Viewing a CSV File

CSV-Nexus: add
1. data1.csv
2. data2.csv
Number of the file to add: 1
CSV-Nexus: view
Name                 | Value1     | Value2     | Category       | Tag       
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pommes               | 50.0       | 0.5        | Fruits         | sante     
Oranges              | 85.0       | 0.58       | Fruits         | sante     

Example: Sorting the Dataset

CSV-Nexus: sort
1. Name
2. Value1
3. Value2
4. Category
5. Tag
Number of the column to sort: 2
reverse the sort ?(y/n): n
CSV-Nexus: view
Name                 | Value1     | Value2     | Category       | Tag       
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oranges              | 85.0       | 0.58       | Fruits         | sante     
Pommes               | 50.0       | 0.5        | Fruits         | sante