Sites such as DESTINYDB have got the item data by 'mining' the game for the data. While its possible that the game stores the info in a csv file, I personally doubt it, and you wouldn't find it anywhere online (unless one of those database sites gives it out, which is unlikely). Its also worth noting that the game data that has been mined may not even be accurate, and will likely contain items that were never intended to make it into the final game.
All that said, Bungie probably has an online database for the website and apps that has all the game item data in it. Not that it would ever be accessible directly. (sadly)
I've discovered how sources like DestingDB are getting the game item data. It's the same source that Destinypedia is accessing (via the user:DestinyWikiBot).
- First off, you will need the itemhash (such as 3490486525 for MIDA Multi-Tool).
- Next, you need the link to the data file directory (which is http://www.bungie.net/platform/Destiny/Manifest/InventoryItem/).
- Add the itemhash to the URL (which ends up with http://www.bungie.net/platform/Destiny/Manifest/InventoryItem/3490486525).
- Paste the whole thing in the address bar, and save the .json (Java Script Object Notation) file.
- Open the saved file in a text editor like notepad. And there are the item details. While its hard to read, the details are there.
For help reading JSON files, see Wikipedia:JSON, which covers it extremely well. I do suggest pressing enter after the "," to aid in readability.
Although its been well over a month, just thought I'd answer the question and save people the hassle in the future.
@Silicon Soldier That is amazingly helpuful. But how did you get the itemHash in the first place?
See Thread:22042.