NATIVE - Converts an HDS object to native machine data representation

Description:

This application converts an HDS  object (or structure) so that all primitive data values within it are represented using the appropriate native data representation for the machine in use (this includes the appropriate number format and byte ordering). This may typically be required after moving HDS files from another machine which uses a different number format and/or byte order, and will minimise the subsequent access time on the new machine. Conversion is performed by modifying the data in situ. No separate output file is produced.

This application can also be used to replace any IEEE floating point NaN or Inf values in an HDS object with the appropriate Starlink bad value. This conversion is performed even if the data values within the object are already represented using the appropriate native data representation for the machine in use.

Usage:

native object

Parameters:

OBJECT = UNIVERSAL (Read and Write)

The HDS structure to be converted; either an entire container file or a particular object or structure within the file may be specified. If a structure is given, all components (and sub-components, etc.) within it will also be converted.

Examples:

native myfile

Converts all the primitive data in the HDS container file myfile to be held using the appropriate native machine representation for faster subsequent access.

native yourfile.data_array

Converts just the DATA_ARRAY component (and its contents, if a structure) in the container file yourfile to the appropriate native machine data representation. Other file contents remain unchanged.