XDR Library

The eXternal Data Representation (XDR) library includes subroutines that permit programmers not only to read and write C language constructs, but also to write XDR subroutines that define other data types.

The XDR library includes the following:

  • Library primitives for basic data types and constructed data types. The basic data types include number filters for integers, floating-point and double-precision numbers, enumeration filters, and a subroutine for passing no data. Constructed data types include the filters for strings, arrays, unions, pointers, and opaque data.
  • Data stream creation routines that call streams for serializing and deserializing data to or from standard I/O file streams, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP) connections, and memory.
  • Subroutines for the implementation of new XDR streams.
  • Subroutines for passing linked lists.

See Showing the Justification for Using XDR Example.