What you will learn
- CSV types and delimiters
- Dates and timezones
- Unique identifiers
- Missing and duplicate rows
CSV types and delimiters
CSV is a text format whose delimiters, decimal conventions and quoting must be interpreted correctly. Inspect the raw header and several rows before analysis. A value imported as text may look numeric while behaving differently in a formula.
Dates and timezones
Dates need an explicit timezone and format. The string 03/04 is ambiguous without a convention. Preserve raw timestamps and create a separate normalized field rather than overwriting the only copy of the source representation.
Unique identifiers
Use stable identifiers for accounts, orders and executions. A timestamp or price alone may not be unique. Record the source file and import batch so an apparent duplicate can be traced without discarding genuinely separate fills.
Missing and duplicate rows
Missing values are different from zeros. A missing commission is not evidence of free execution. Flag incomplete fields and define whether a calculation can proceed; avoid silently replacing every blank with zero.
Worked example
A CSV contains quantity values as text and blank fee fields. A sum appears plausible but omits some rows. The import should be corrected and reconciled before its total is used to evaluate a strategy.
Try it yourself
Design an import checklist that validates row count, data types, timestamp interpretation, identifiers and missing fees.
Show the worked solution
Compare source and imported row counts, explicitly parse numeric and date fields, retain identifiers, and report missing fees. Reconcile a few rows manually and the full totals before using the dataset.
Apply this to your course project
Import a sample CSV, reconcile totals and publish a documented performance worksheet.
Keep the calculation inputs, assumptions and decisions with your work. Practical exercises are self-reviewed; the scored knowledge checks assess the questions shown, not an independent certification of practical competence.