Using NetCDF

From HP-SEE Wiki

The Network Common Data Form, or netCDF, is usually installed as a library of data access functions for storing and retrieving data in the form of multi-dimensional arrays. The n-dimensional rectangular array structures can contain data all of the same type.

Metadata information about the data, e.g., the units used, may also be included in the same data file. By using netcdf library user codes can access the datasets and transform or analyse data. Since netCDF has been ported to a wide variety of architectures, the usage of netCDF format enables cross-platform application development and use.

Interfaces for C, C++, Fortran 77/90 are available as part of the netCDF distribution.

Parallel version of netCDF which runs atop of MPI is also available and can be used for more scalable I/O. The netCDF format is popular for molecular dynamic applications, but also for environmental modelling and forecasting and many other application areas. Over the HP-SEE infrastructure it is available as a module within the module framework, but users may deploy their own version for additional features or compatibility.