As the next article indicates, we now have an alpha version of HDF 4.0, which includes some of the items on the list. Our original plans were to have a full beta version of HDF 4.0 ready by mid-summer. We welcome your thoughts about these features. HDF Version 4.0 is ready for enthusiastic HDF users to run an alpha test now. In order to increase the clarity and maintainability of HDF code, we are moving towards the use of ANSI C conforming compilers.
Alpha is the first trial release.
For example, users would like to be able to read and write 10-bit integers using an HDF SDS interface. HDF 4.0 includes several new routines to let users define, write and read n-bit Scientific data sets. An HDF information server is set up. The server has the Online Hypertext Version of the HDF Reference Manual. There is a fill-out form in the home page for users to submit questions to the HDF team.