# vcf2csv

> vcard to CSV conversion tool

**Wikidata**: [Q130049247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130049247)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vcf2csv

## Summary
vcf2csv is a free software utility designed to convert vCard files (.vcf) into comma-separated values (CSV) format. Written in ANSI C, the application runs on Unix-like operating systems and provides the added functionality of converting vCard data into HyperText Markup Language (HTML).

## Key Facts
- **Initial Release:** Published on March 31, 2008.
- **Current Version:** Version 0.0.4.
- **Software Type:** Free software; specifically functions as a file converter.
- **Operating System:** Designed for Unix-like operating systems.
- **Programming Language:** Written in ANSI C.
- **Input Format:** Reads vCard (VCF) files.
- **Output Formats:** Writes Comma-Separated Values (CSV) and HyperText Markup Language (HTML).
- **Build System:** Utilizes `make` for compilation.
- **Repository:** Source code is hosted on SourceForge.
- **License:** Classified as free software (Copyrighted).

## FAQs
### Q: What file formats can vcf2csv convert?
A: vcf2csv converts vCard (VCF) files into two primary formats: Comma-Separated Values (CSV) and HyperText Markup Language (HTML).

### Q: What operating systems are compatible with vcf2csv?
A: The tool is designed to run on Unix-like operating systems. It is built using ANSI C and the `make` build system.

### Q: Is vcf2csv free to use?
A: Yes, vcf2csv is classified as free software. It is distributed under terms that allow users to run, study, change, and distribute it, though it retains a copyrighted status.

## Why It Matters
vcf2csv addresses a specific interoperability challenge in contact management: the transition of data from the standardized vCard format—often used for electronic business cards and address book exports—into tabular data formats like CSV. By converting vCards into CSV, the tool enables users to import contact lists into spreadsheet applications (such as Excel or LibreOffice Calc) and database systems that do not natively support the vCard standard.

Furthermore, its ability to output HTML allows users to generate web-viewable contact directories directly from address book data. Built with ANSI C for Unix-like systems, it offers a lightweight, command-line driven solution for power users and system administrators who need to script or automate contact data processing without relying on heavy graphical applications. Its status as free software ensures that it can be modified and redistributed to fit specific user needs, preserving the longevity of the tool for legacy data migration tasks.

## Notable For
- **Dual Output Capabilities:** Not only converts vCards to CSV but also supports HTML output, which is less common for standard VCF converters.
- **Lightweight Implementation:** Written strictly in ANSI C, making it highly portable and efficient on Unix-like systems.
- **Free Software Status:** Distributed as free software, allowing for user modification and free distribution.
- **Command-Line Utility:** Designed for Unix-like environments, catering to scriptable, server-side, or batch processing workflows rather than manual GUI interaction.

## Body
### Technical Overview
vcf2csv is a command-line file converter written in the ANSI C programming language. It is engineered specifically for Unix-like operating systems and utilizes the `make` build system for compilation and installation. As a free software tool, it grants users the freedom to run, study, and modify the code.

### Functionality
The primary function of vcf2csv is to parse the `readable_file_format` vCard (VCF). Once parsed, the data is transformed and serialized into `writable_file_format` outputs. The supported output formats are:
*   **Comma-Separated Values (CSV):** For use in spreadsheets and databases.
*   **HyperText Markup Language (HTML):** For display on web pages.

### Development and History
The project was initially published on March 31, 2008. According to available records, the software reached version **0.0.4**. The source code and official website are hosted on SourceForge, a repository often used for open-source and free software projects.

## References

1. [Source](https://vcf2csv.sourceforge.net/#changes)
2. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/vcf2csv/)