csv.Error: Iterator Should Return Strings

Why This Happens

The csv module in Python 3 works with text strings. If you open in binary mode, the reader receives bytes and raises this error.

The Problem

import csv
with open('data.csv', 'rb') as f:
    reader = csv.reader(f)

The Fix

import csv
with open('data.csv', 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
    reader = csv.reader(f)
    for row in reader:
        print(row)

Step-by-Step Fix

1. 1

   Open in text mode

   Use 'r' instead of 'rb'.

2. 2

   Specify encoding

   Add encoding='utf-8'.

3. 3

   Handle BOM

   Use encoding='utf-8-sig' for files with BOM.