Generate sample CSV files

The sample CSV tool creates small data files for examples, demos, tests, and manual workflow checks. It writes predictable columns containing an ID, date, category, two item strings, a numeric value, and a formatted amount.

Command line

Create a sample CSV using the defaults:

csvsmith sample-csv

Set the output path, row count, start date, and random seed:

csvsmith sample-csv -o sample.csv --rows 16 --start 2026-01-01 --seed 42

Use non-ASCII item strings:

csvsmith sample-csv --item-charset kanji

--item-charset accepts ascii, kanji, or mix. Use --seed when a reproducible sample file is useful for tests or documentation.

Python API

from csvsmith import create_sample_csv

result = create_sample_csv(
    row_count=16,
    start="2026-01-01",
    output_path="sample.csv",
    seed=42,
)

print(result.output_path)

The API returns a SampleCSVResult with the written path and row count.