DSV to SAV Converter

About This Tool

DSV to SAV Converter is a data transformation tool designed for data analysts, researchers, and statisticians who need to move data from delimited text into SPSS SAV format while preserving structure, data types, and missing-value semantics. It targets reproducible, SPSS-ready datasets.
It processes DSV files or pasted text by optionally autodetecting the delimiter (comma, tab, semicolon, or other), parsing the header row, and reading subsequent records. It then infers or applies explicit data types and maps them to SPSS variable definitions (numeric, string, date) with consistent handling of missing values and string lengths.
The tool uses a two-pass approach: first discover the schema (names, inferred or provided types, value ranges, missing-value patterns), then construct the SAV file with preserved field order and SPSS-compatible metadata. It supports UTF-8 inputs and outputs, and logs all decisions for traceability.
Optional/advanced features include user-provided type hints, explicit date formats, and value-label mappings to preserve categories. The outputs include the SAV binary, a succinct transformation log, and a manifest describing each field's source, type, and mapping rules.
Typical use cases encompass migrating CSV/TSV/PSV datasets into SPSS workflows, exporting survey or experiment results for analysis, and integrating with data pipelines that require reproducible statistical formats. The tool emphasizes accuracy, auditability, and compatibility with standard SPSS practices.
Unique differentiators include lossless type preservation, delimiter autodetection, robust encoding support, and a compact export log suitable for data provenance and compliance.

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