Formats Syncler-Glossar
In software development, the term “formats” refers to various standards and structures that are used for the representation, storage or exchange of data. These formats determine how information is interpreted and processed. There are several types of formats used in software:
1. data formats
Data formats define how information is structured and stored so that it can be understood by different programs.
- JSON (JavaScript Object Notation): A widely used, text-based format for exchanging data between web applications.
- XML (Extensible Markup Language): A format for representing data in a hierarchical structure, often in configuration files.
- CSV (Comma-Separated Values): A format for storing tabular data in plain text form, with values separated by commas.
2. file formats
These formats refer to the structure of files and specify how data is organized within a file.
- PDF (Portable Document Format): A format for documents that retains layout and formatting, regardless of platform.
- JPEG/PNG/GIF: Formats for storing image data.
3. protocol formats
Protocol formats define how data is exchanged between systems over the network.
- HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A protocol for exchanging data over the Internet.
- TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): A protocol for transferring data between computers on networks.
4. compression formats
These formats define how data can be stored or transmitted efficiently, often through compression.
- ZIP/RAR: Formats for compressing and archiving files.
- GZIP: A compression format that is often used for data transfer on the Internet.
5. database formats
These are formats for structuring data within a database.
- SQL: A standardized language for managing and querying relational databases.
- NoSQL formats: Databases that are not based on tables often use JSON or BSON formats (MongoDB).
Formats are therefore used for standardization so that different systems and programs can interpret and process information correctly.