how to find out if csv file fields are tab delimited or comma delimited

Question

how to find out if csv file fields are tab delimited or comma delimited. I need php validation for this. Can anyone plz help. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There is no 100% reliable way to detemine this. What you can do is

• If you have a method to validate the fields you read, try to read a few fields using either separator and validate against your method. If it breaks, use another one.
• Count the occurrence of tabs or commas in the file. Usually one is significantly higher than the other
• Last but not least: Ask the user, and allow him to override your guesses.