The format comma-separated values (CSV) has a series of inconsistencies as pointed out by Stenway. With this in mind, there is a need to create a new form to (de)serialize data to improve speed / readability / simplicity.

1. Speed – the complexity and ambiguity of CSV makes it so parsers become slower and less efficient at processing data. For a well-built, robust system, speed is a major parameter. To increase speed of (de)serialization, 2 things can be done:

   • Create a simpler standard – a well defined, unambiguous, compact standard leads to less computations required, improving speed of encoding/decoding;

   • Reduce readability – by basing the standard on difficult to read yet compact formats, memory usage and time reading data can be reduced.

2. Readability – when a system serves as an interface with the human operator, it is crucial that it is easily and swiftly interpreted by them. To this effect, several requirements rise up:

   • Cultural context – the file must support most languages and characters;

   • Valid text – all characters used must be available to the user's input device;

   • Concise information – extra, unneeded characters should be avoided to allow the operator to focus on the important information in the file;

   • Context aware format – information should be presented in a format such that the operator can understand the context in which the information is relevant.

No perfect solution exists which marries speed and readability in all aspects. However, a system can be developed which can (de)serialize data in both forms: for machines and for humans.

• typed values – type information should be present (text, number, binary, null)

• collections – include lists and dictionaries