hdf5 · shipping · also Hierarchical Data Format version 5

HDF5

HDF5 is a data model, storage format and software library for organizing typed datasets, groups and associated metadata.

Related Observatory article: HDF5 on hesela.com

Data model: a dataset represents a typed multidimensional array; groups and links organize objects. Applications map their own record semantics onto these structures. The file format does not define what constitutes a complete scientific measurement. [2]

Concurrent access: SWMR supports one writer with readers following its access protocol; it is distinct from coordinated parallel HDF5. A coherent file is not evidence that every application-related dataset has reached the same update. [1]

Schema example: H5MD defines relationships between step, time and value datasets for molecular data. This is an application convention, not evidence that a readable HDF5 file contains an atomically published measurement. [3]

Relations

related

hdf5-swmr, file-storage, application-consistent-snapshot

Citations

1. The HDF Group: File locking and superblock flags (accessed 2026-10-17)
2. The HDF Group: HDF5 Data Model and File Structure (accessed 2026-10-17)
3. de Buyl, Colberg and Hoefling: H5MD, arXiv:1308.6382v2 (2014), sections 2 and 3.4.1 (accessed 2026-10-17)

JSON: /data/terms/hdf5.json