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Definition of SDDS Protocol

A SDDS file is referred to as a ``data set''. Each data set consists of an ASCII header describing the data that is stored in the file, followed by zero or more ``data tables''. Each successive data table consists of a list of zero or more ``parameter'' values, zero or more multidimensional arrays, and zero or more rows of tabular data. The names, units, data types, and so forth of the parameters, arrays, and columns of the tabular data are defined in the header. These do not change from one data table to the next.

The first line of a data set must be of the form ``SDDS n'', where n is the integer SDDS version number. This document describes version 1.

• Structure of the SDDS Header
  • Data Set Description
  • Tabular-Data Column Definition
  • Parameter Definition
  • Array Data Definition
  • Associate File Definition
  • Header File Include Specification
  • Data Mode and Arrangement Defintion
• Structure of SDDS ASCII Data Tables