What term describes the method for formatting strings of text, such as CSV?

The term that best describes the method for formatting strings of text, particularly in the context of CSV (Comma-Separated Values), is data serialization. CSV files are structured as plain text where values are separated by commas, which allows for easy reading and writing by both humans and machines. This method facilitates the organization of data into a format that can be easily imported and exported between different software applications while maintaining a clear structure.

Although one might think of comma separation as a technique inherent to CSV files, it does not fully capture the broader concept of how data is structured and formatted for storage and transmission. Data serialization encompasses various formats and methodologies that convert data structures into a standard format that can be easily stored or transmitted. Thus, the focus here is on the overarching principle that includes but is not limited to the specifics of CSV file formatting.