Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Hierarchical Data Format
     
         (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.
     
        {Home (http://hdf.ncsa.uiuc.edu/)}.
     
        (2001-07-02)