SDAI file

Introduction

SDAI file contains the equivalent information as a part21 (ISO 10303-21) file, but in a binary encoded way which can be much faster processed and needs less storage space. SDAI file can be easily used for exchange.

SDAI file features:

• the format is inherently compressed (ZIP)
• it can easily be converted into the part21 (ISO 10303-21) or part28 (ISO 10303-28) format.
• it allows to include non-STEP files (e.g. jpeg or pdf) bound to an entity instance.
• it can contain several data sections, e.g. one for the ARM and one for the AIM population.
• the format supports all features of SDAI with a couple of extensions.

Creating SdaiRepository to be stored in SDAI file:

If you want to create a SdaiRepository to be stored in SDAI file then use createRepository() method and pass path of SDAI file as a location (second) parameter. If the value of the name (first) parameter is null or an empty string "", then a SdaiRepository with name derived from SDAI file name will be created. If SdaiRepository with the specified or derived name already exists, then SdaiRepository with modified name (SdaiRepository name plus sequence number) will be created.

Example

// create SdaiRepositories stored in SDAI files
repo = s.createRepository("MyRepo1", "c:\\myrepos\\MyRepo.sdai");
repo = s.createRepository("", "c:\\MyRepo2.sdai");
repo = s.createRepository(null, "c:\\MyRepo2.sdai");


If createRepository() method is called with location parameter set to null, then SdaiRepository is created into sdairepos directory and it's format depends on the value of an additional property new.repository.format in jsdai.properties file.

• if property new.repository.format does not exists or it's value is equal DIR then conventional SdaiRepository is created (SdaiRepository files are stored in SdaiRepository directory).
• if value of property new.repository.format is equal SDAI then SdaiRepository stored in SDAI file is created (SdaiRepository files are stored in one compressed SDAI file).

Example

//fragment of jsdai.properties file
new.repository.format = SDAI

// create SdaiRepository stored in SDAI file in sdairepos directory
repo = s.createRepository("MyRepo", null);


Linking SdaiRepository stored in SDAI file:

Example

// link SdaiRepositories stored in SDAI files
rep = s.linkRepository("MyRepo1", "c:\\myrepos\\MyRepo.sdai");
rep = s.linkRepository("", "c:\\MyRepo2.sdai");
rep = s.linkRepository(null, "c:\\MyRepo2.sdai");


During session start all SdaiRepositories (conventional and stored in SDAI files) located in sdairepos directory are automatically linked to known_servers.

SDAI file format:

SDAI file format has several advantages:

1. Only one file per SdaiRepository is used. It is very simple to exchange such files between users.
2. Space used to store SdaiRepository is reduced. Over 50% of storage space is saved.

1. Reading and writing operations are slower. It is due compression/recompression of data stored in SDAI file.

SDAI file format specification