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HDF5 1.14.5
API Reference
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Property Lists Basics

Navigate back: Main / Getting Started with HDF5 / Learning the Basics


What is a Property (or Property List)?

In HDF5, a property or property list is a characteristic or feature associated with an HDF5 object. There are default properties which handle the most common needs. These default properties are specified by passing in H5P_DEFAULT for the Property List parameter of a function. Default properties can be modified by use of the Property Lists (H5P) interface and function parameters.

The Property Lists (H5P) API allows a user to take advantage of the more powerful features in HDF5. It typically supports unusual cases when creating or accessing HDF5 objects. There is a programming model for working with Property Lists in HDF5 (see below).

For examples of modifying a property list, see these tutorial topics:

In summary:

  • Properties are features of HDF5 objects, that can be changed by use of the Property List API and function parameters.
  • Property lists provide a mechanism for adding functionality to HDF5 calls without increasing the number of arguments used for a given call.
  • The Property List API supports unusual cases when creating and accessing HDF5 objects.

Programming Model

Default properties are specified by simply passing in H5P_DEFAULT (C) / H5P_DEFAULT_F (F90) for the property list parameter in those functions for which properties can be changed.

The programming model for changing a property list is as follows:

  • Create a copy or "instance" of the desired pre-defined property type, using the H5Pcreate call. This will return a property list identifier. Please see the HDF5 Reference Manual entry for H5Pcreate, for a comprehensive list of the property types.
  • With the property list identifier, modify the property, using the Property Lists (H5P) APIs.
  • Modify the object feature, by passing the property list identifier into the corresponding HDF5 object function.
  • Close the property list when done, using H5Pclose.

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Navigate back: Main / Getting Started with HDF5 / Learning the Basics