Hierarchical Data Format: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:31, 30 July 2007

Revision as of 03:30, 12 November 2007

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'''Hierarchical Data Format''', commonly abbreviated '''HDF''', '''HDF4''', or '''HDF5''' is a library and multi-object file format for the transfer of graphical and numerical data between computers. It iswas created and maintained by the [[National Center for Supercomputing Applications|NCSA]], but is currently maintained by the [http://hdf.ncsa.uiuc.edu/products/hdf5/index.html HDF Group]. The freely available HDF distribution consists of the library, command-line utilities, test suite source, [[Java (programming language)|Java]] interface, and the Java-based HDF Viewer (HDFView).

HDF supports several different data models, including multidimensional arrays, raster images, and tables. Each defines a specific aggregate data type and provides an [[Application Programming Interface|API]] for reading, writing, and organizing the data and metadata. New data models can be added by the HDF developers or users.