What are the considerations for choosing between converting XLS to XLSX or directly to CSV in a PHP application for data import purposes?

When choosing between converting XLS to XLSX or directly to CSV in a PHP application for data import purposes, consider the compatibility of the target system with each file format, the complexity of the data structure in the XLS file, and the performance implications of the conversion process. If the target system supports XLSX and the data structure is simple, converting to XLSX may be more straightforward. However, if the target system requires CSV or the data structure is complex, converting directly to CSV may be more efficient. 

// Example code snippet for converting XLS to XLSX in PHP
$xlsFile = 'example.xls';
$xlsxFile = 'example.xlsx';

$excel = new COM("Excel.Application") or die("Unable to instantiate Excel");
$workbook = $excel->Workbooks->Open($xlsFile);
$workbook->SaveAs($xlsxFile, 51);
$workbook->Close(false);
$excel->Quit();
unset($excel);

// Example code snippet for converting XLS to CSV in PHP
$xlsFile = 'example.xls';
$csvFile = 'example.csv';

$excel = new COM("Excel.Application") or die("Unable to instantiate Excel");
$workbook = $excel->Workbooks->Open($xlsFile);
$workbook->SaveAs($csvFile, 6);
$workbook->Close(false);
$excel->Quit();
unset($excel);

Keywords

XLS XLSX CSV data import PHP application

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