HDF Reference Manual

The HDF4 Reference Manual is a detailed technical document that serves as a comprehensive reference for users working with HDF4 (Hierarchical Data Format version 4). It provides in-depth information about the functions, data structures, and constants used in the HDF4 library. Unlike the User's Guide, which is more tutorial in nature, the Reference Manual is a technical resource focused on the specific details needed for programming and software development.

Key contents of the HDF4 Reference Manual typically include:

1. API Function Descriptions: Detailed documentation of all the functions available in the HDF4 API, including their syntax, parameters, return values, and example usage. This is crucial for developers who need to write or modify code that interacts with HDF4 files.

2. Data Structures: Descriptions of the various data structures used within HDF4, including how they are organized and how to use them effectively in applications.

3. Constants and Macros: A list of constants, macros, and symbolic names used in the HDF4 API, along with their definitions and contexts in which they are used.

4. File Format Specifications: Detailed information about the internal format of HDF4 files, including how data is stored, how metadata is organized, and how different data types are represented.

5. Low-Level API Details: In-depth information about the lower-level functions that provide direct access to the HDF4 file structure. This includes functions for managing HDF4 files, datasets, attributes, and annotations.

6. Advanced Features: Documentation of advanced features and capabilities of HDF4, such as compression, chunking, and data access optimizations.

7. Error Handling: Information about the error handling mechanisms in HDF4, including error codes, how to interpret them, and how to implement robust error handling in applications.

8. Compatibility and Portability: Guidelines and notes on how to ensure that applications using HDF4 are portable across different systems and how to maintain compatibility with other versions or related file formats.

The HDF4 Reference Manual is an essential resource for developers and engineers who need to write, debug, or optimize software that uses HDF4 for data management. It provides all the technical details required to fully leverage the capabilities of the HDF4 library.