Hierarchical Data Format

file format, data (HDF) A library and multi-object file

format for the transfer of graphical and numerical data

between computeres. The freely available HDF distribution

consists of the library, command line utilities, test suite

source, Java interface, and the Java-based HDF Viewer (JHV).

HDF supports several different data models, including

multidimensional arrays, raster images, and tables. Each

defines a specific aggregate data type and provides an API

for reading, writing, and organising the data and metadata.

New data models can be added by the HDF developers or users.

HDF is self-describing, allowing an application to interpret

the structure and contents of a file without any outside

information.

One HDF file can hold a mixture of related objects which can

be accessed as a group or as individual objects. Users can

create their own grouping structures called "vgroups".

HDF files can be shared across most common platforms,

including many workstations and high performance computers.

An HDF file created on one computer can be read on a different

system without modification.

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(2001-07-02)