TSV and Texinfo represent fundamentally different data structures. TSV is a simple tabular format using tab characters as delimiters, while Texinfo is a structured documentation markup language designed for creating technical manuals and documentation. The conversion requires parsing tab-separated values and transforming them into appropriate Texinfo markup elements, which involves interpreting data context and applying appropriate documentation formatting.

Users convert from TSV to Texinfo primarily to transform raw tabular data into structured, readable technical documentation. This conversion is particularly useful for researchers, technical writers, and software developers who need to convert data tables into comprehensive, formatted documentation that can be easily published or integrated into technical manuals.

Common conversion scenarios include transforming research data tables into academic documentation, converting software configuration data into user manuals, and preparing statistical information for technical reports. For instance, a research team might convert experimental data from a spreadsheet to a structured Texinfo document for publication.

The conversion process typically maintains the original data's integrity while adding structural formatting. Some nuanced formatting might require manual intervention, especially for complex data sets with multiple columns or nested information. The output preserves the original data's semantic meaning while enhancing its presentational quality.

Texinfo files are generally slightly larger than TSV files due to added markup. Expect an approximate 10-30% increase in file size, depending on the complexity of the documentation markup and the original data's structure. The additional size comes from inserted formatting commands and structural elements.

Conversion challenges include handling complex data structures, managing special characters, and maintaining precise formatting. Not all TSV data will translate perfectly into Texinfo, particularly if the original data contains complex nested information or requires extensive custom formatting.

Avoid converting when maintaining exact raw data representation is critical, when the data is extremely complex or requires specialized formatting, or when the target audience needs the original tabular format. Some scientific or financial data might be better preserved in its original TSV format.

Alternative approaches include using CSV format, maintaining the original TSV, or using more flexible documentation tools like Markdown or reStructuredText. Users might also consider specialized documentation generators that can handle raw data more directly.