Getting Started

Introduction

You can read and write these file formats using the pradformat tools that I have written for both MATLAB and Python. Most of this website is dedicated to showcasing how you might use these tools to create and analyze pradformat files. See especially the Code Examples.

Advanced Users

In addition to using the MATLAB and Python pradformat tools, these file formats can also be inspected, read, and written by standard HDF5 tools. If you go this route, please be careful to follow all pradformat specifications when writing new files!

Installing pradformat

Readers and writers for pradformat are available for both MATLAB and Python. Follow installation (or upgrade) instructions for your preferred choice below.

MATLAB Installation (or Upgrade)

MATLAB 2017a or greater is required, and MATLAB 2020a or greater is recommended.

To install or upgrade your MATLAB readers/writers:

1. Navigate to the pradformat releases page on GitHub.

2. At the releases page, download the latest pradformat MATLAB toolbox.

3. Double-click the MATLAB toolbox (".mltbox") you just downloaded to install it.

Python Installation (or Upgrade)

To install or upgrade your Python readers/writers, follow the detailed instructions in the Python README of the pradformat GitHub page.

Reading and Writing Files

When you've finished installing pradformat, proceed to the Code Examples pages for detailed examples on how to read and write various files!

Examining Your File Contents

Your file contents can also be examined in the HDFView graphical user interface, or any other HDF5 reader.