How can i design a CSV file using VB? - asp.net

Question

In my project I am creating a CSV file, but I want to change it's design. Please help me:
Private Sub ExportDataToCSV()
Dim fileName As String = "CheckRegistrationStatus_" & Format(Now, "yyyyMMddhhmms") & ".csv"
HttpContext.Current.Response.Clear()
' Set the response headers to fit our CSV file
HttpContext.Current.Response.ContentType = "text/plain"
HttpContext.Current.Response.AddHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment;filename=" & fileName)
Using writer As New System.IO.StreamWriter(HttpContext.Current.Response.OutputStream)
Dim columnHeader As String = String.Empty
For i As Integer = 0 To grd1.Columns.Count - 1
columnHeader += grd1.Columns(i).HeaderText & IIf(i < grd1.Columns.Count - 1, ",", "").ToString()
Next
writer.WriteLine(columnHeader)
'writer.WriteLine(AddCSVHeaderRow()) ' Only if you need custom headers to be added
' Add all the data rows
For Each row As GridViewRow In grd1.Rows
writer.WriteLine(GetCSVLine(row.Cells))
Next
End Using
' End the current response. Otherwise, excel will open with the whole page inside.
HttpContext.Current.Response.End()
End Sub
Private Shared Function GetCSVLine(ByVal cellsToAdd As TableCellCollection) As String
Dim line As String = String.Empty
Dim isFirst As Boolean = True
For Each cell As TableCell In cellsToAdd
If Not isFirst Then
line += ","
End If
isFirst = False
line += """" & Replace(cell.Text, " ", "") & """"
Next
Return line
End Function
Output is being displayed as shown in the following image. But I want to make the header bold and expand the column width . Please help me.

Answer 1

You cannot. The CSV file format is a data-only format. It provides no way to set fonts, column widths or anything else related to styling.
In addition, I don't think your code handles all data correctly. For example, if there's a comma within the data or a double quote, special steps are required. Here's some code I published for creating CSV files in C#.

Answer 2

If you want to produce a formatted Excel document, either in addition to your CSV file or in place of it, you could have a look at the Excel interop libraries.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb386107%28v=vs.90%29.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301982
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa188489%28office.10%29.aspx