Convert ADOC to CSV

Why Convert ADOC to CSV?

Converting AsciiDoc documents to CSV format is useful when you need to extract tabular data from documentation for use in spreadsheets, databases, or data analysis tools. AsciiDoc is excellent for writing documentation with embedded tables, but when you need to work with that tabular data separately, CSV provides the universal format that virtually all data tools understand.

AsciiDoc tables can contain product lists, configuration data, feature comparisons, test results, and other structured information. By converting to CSV, you can import this data directly into Excel, Google Sheets, database systems, or use it with data processing scripts in Python, R, or other programming languages. This bridge between documentation and data analysis streamlines workflows where the same information needs to serve multiple purposes.

The conversion process extracts tables from your AsciiDoc documents, parsing the structured content into clean rows and columns. Headers are preserved, cell contents are properly escaped, and the resulting CSV maintains data integrity while stripping away documentation-specific formatting. This allows technical writers and data analysts to collaborate effectively using their preferred tools.

Key Benefits of Converting ADOC to CSV:

• Data Extraction: Pull tabular data from documentation for analysis
• Spreadsheet Integration: Import into Excel, Google Sheets, or LibreOffice Calc
• Database Import: Load data into SQL databases or data warehouses
• Automation: Process data with scripts and automation tools
• Universal Compatibility: CSV works with virtually any data tool
• Data Validation: Verify documentation data against live systems
• Reporting: Generate reports from extracted documentation data

Practical Examples

Example 1: Product Inventory Table

Input AsciiDoc file (inventory.adoc):

= Product Inventory Report

.Current Stock Levels
[cols="1,2,1,1"]
|===
|SKU |Product Name |Price |Quantity

|PRD-001
|Wireless Keyboard
|$49.99
|250

|PRD-002
|USB Mouse
|$24.99
|500

|PRD-003
|Monitor Stand
|$79.99
|120
|===

Output CSV file (inventory.csv):

SKU,Product Name,Price,Quantity
PRD-001,Wireless Keyboard,$49.99,250
PRD-002,USB Mouse,$24.99,500
PRD-003,Monitor Stand,$79.99,120

Example 2: API Endpoint Documentation

Input AsciiDoc file (api-docs.adoc):

== API Endpoints

.REST API Reference
|===
|Method |Endpoint |Description |Auth Required

|GET
|/api/users
|List all users
|Yes

|POST
|/api/users
|Create new user
|Yes

|GET
|/api/products
|List products
|No
|===

Output CSV file (api-docs.csv):

Method,Endpoint,Description,Auth Required
GET,/api/users,List all users,Yes
POST,/api/users,Create new user,Yes
GET,/api/products,List products,No

Example 3: Test Results Matrix

Input AsciiDoc file (test-results.adoc):

.Test Execution Summary
|===
|Test ID |Test Name |Status |Duration

|TC-001
|Login Validation
|PASSED
|1.2s

|TC-002
|User Registration
|PASSED
|2.5s

|TC-003
|Password Reset
|FAILED
|0.8s
|===

Output CSV file (test-results.csv):

Test ID,Test Name,Status,Duration
TC-001,Login Validation,PASSED,1.2s
TC-002,User Registration,PASSED,2.5s
TC-003,Password Reset,FAILED,0.8s

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is AsciiDoc format?

A: AsciiDoc is a lightweight markup language for writing documentation, articles, and books. It uses plain text syntax with special characters for formatting (like *bold* and _italic_). AsciiDoc files can be converted to HTML, PDF, EPUB, and other formats. It's popular for technical documentation because it's readable in source form and integrates well with version control systems like Git.

Q: How are AsciiDoc tables converted to CSV?

A: The converter parses AsciiDoc table syntax (delimited by |=== markers) and extracts the cell contents. Each table row becomes a CSV row, with cell values separated by commas. Headers are preserved as the first row. Special characters within cells are properly escaped according to CSV standards (quoted if they contain commas or quotes).

Q: What happens to non-table content in my ADOC file?

A: The conversion focuses on extracting tabular data. Non-table content such as headings, paragraphs, lists, and code blocks are not included in the CSV output since CSV is a data-only format. If your AsciiDoc file contains multiple tables, each table will be extracted and converted appropriately.

Q: Can I open the CSV file in Excel?

A: Yes! CSV is universally supported by spreadsheet applications. You can open the converted file directly in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, or any other spreadsheet program. The data will be automatically parsed into rows and columns, ready for analysis, sorting, filtering, or charting.

Q: Is the original AsciiDoc formatting preserved?

A: CSV is a plain data format and does not support formatting. Bold, italic, colors, and other styling from your AsciiDoc tables will not be preserved in the CSV output. Only the text content of cells is extracted. If you need formatted output, consider converting to XLSX (Excel) format instead, which supports some formatting options.

Q: How are complex AsciiDoc tables handled?

A: AsciiDoc supports advanced table features like column spanning, row spanning, and nested content. The converter flattens these into a standard row/column structure suitable for CSV. Merged cells are expanded, and nested content is converted to text. Very complex table structures may require manual cleanup after conversion.

Q: What encoding is used for the CSV output?

A: The converted CSV files use UTF-8 encoding, which supports international characters, symbols, and special characters. This ensures compatibility with modern software while preserving any non-ASCII characters from your original AsciiDoc content. Most spreadsheet applications auto-detect UTF-8 encoding.

Q: Can I import the CSV into a database?

A: Absolutely! CSV is the standard format for database imports. You can use the converted file with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, or any other database system. Most databases provide IMPORT or LOAD DATA commands for CSV files, and tools like pgAdmin, phpMyAdmin, and DBeaver have CSV import wizards.