Convert XLS (Excel) to DIF

The XLS file extension, short for "Excel Spreadsheet", is a legacy format used by Microsoft Excel for storing spreadsheet data. Introduced with Excel 2.0 in 1987, it was the primary format until the introduction of XLSX in 2007. XLS files contain data organized in rows and columns, supporting formulas, macros, and various formatting options, making them essential for data analysis and financial reporting. Despite being replaced by the more robust and secure XLSX format, XLS files remain widely used in many legacy systems and applications.

The Data Interchange Format (DIF) file extension is a standardized format used primarily for importing and exporting spreadsheet data between different software applications. Originating in the 1980s, DIF was developed by Software Arts for their pioneering spreadsheet program, VisiCalc. Despite its age, DIF remains relevant due to its simplicity and ease of implementation, facilitating interoperability among various data processing tools. Its structured, plain text nature makes it particularly suitable for transferring tabular data while maintaining data integrity across different platforms.