A new feature that we've introduced on GOV.UK allows users to see a preview of a CSV file without having to download it. Much of the HMRC transparency data is in CSV format, so this particular feature should help people find what they're looking for.
As an analyst, I tend to download a number of these files and then aggregate them into one data set, in order to work on the data offline. But I can certainly see the benefit of online preview for a user who is unfamiliar with CSV files, or simply unsure if they've found what they're looking for. This is only possible because CSV is a truly open file format, consistent with the government's open data charter.
Not all data is open - large amounts of data is still stored in proprietary spreadsheet or database formats. We should not expect users to have to purchase software or convert file formats to access this information.
As Ashraf's blog post mentioned, the most-viewed page with the CSV preview feature is Senior posts in HMRC's organisation structure. This data is also available on GOV.UK in Excel format at HMRC organisation information and supporting datasets.
No preview is available, and the Excel file also has password protection on the file preventing the user from manipulating the data without additional effort. For example, adding filters to the column headings is restricted. This is the kind of obstacle that is eliminated by features like the in-browser CSV preview.
Open data doesn't just help users outside government. It also benefits data users inside government, like me. Knowing where to find data and being sure that it will be in a useful format helps everybody. Let us know if you find CSV preview useful for HMRC data.
Two other blog posts you might find interesting
Making transparency data more transparent with a CSV preview (Inside GOV.UK blog)
We think people like being able to preview CSV files (Inside GOV.UK blog)
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