How to Handle Spaces in CSV Files with Scanner(): Quoting and Formatting Pitfalls

Read CSV with Scanner(): Dealing with Quoting and Formatting

When attempting to read a CSV file with a Scanner object, it's important to understand the nuances of CSV formatting, specifically when it comes to handling spaces. The Scanner class will typically break lines on spaces by default, which can result in data being split across multiple lines.

To prevent this issue, it's essential to consider the different ways spaces can be represented in a CSV file:

• Unquoted Spaces: Spaces within fields that are not enclosed in quotes become line breaks.
• Quoted Spaces: Spaces within fields that are enclosed in quotes are preserved.

The sample CSV provided in the question demonstrates this issue. The "address 1" field contains a space that is not enclosed in quotes, causing it to be split across lines.

To resolve this, it's recommended to use a CSV parsing library that supports proper handling of quoting and formatting. Several reliable options are available:

• OpenCSV
• Ostermiller Java Utilities
• Apache Commons CSV

These libraries provide robust parsing capabilities and can handle complex CSV formats, including fields with spaces and varying quoting styles. They also adhere to the CSV RFC, ensuring accurate and reliable parsing.

While it's possible to write custom CSV parsers, it's generally not recommended due to the complexity and potential for errors. By leveraging established CSV libraries, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure accurate handling of CSV files, including the preservation of spaces and other formatting characters.

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