Combine Multiple CSV Files Into One CSV Using Shell Scripting

Shell scripting simplifies the merging of multiple CSV files by automating repetitive tasks, ensuring data consistency, and saving time compared to manual methods.

In my (current) day job, I often have to combine a large number of CSV files into 1 single CSV for uploading, parsing, and other analysis.

Image by LapinVert from Pixabay

From a Windows cmd prompt, the command to do this is a simple, one-liner, executed in the folder where all the CSV’s are located:

copy *.csv NewFileName.csv

The macOS (and Linux) version of this is a bit more involved.

But doable.

I have 3 CSV files created in Google Sheets that I am going to merge into 1 CSV.

Names1.csv file contents:

Names2.csv file contents:

Names3.csv file contents: