Bernard.SoftArts@MIT-MULTICS.ARPA (07/05/84)
The Data Interchange Format (not Files) or DIF is an attempted
standard for storing data on microcomputers, and was developed
several years ago by Software Arts. Many software programs have
the ability to read/write DIF files so that data can be
properly transferred from one software program to another.
DIF files only contain the data that is resident in a
spreadsheet, and does not contain any of the formulas, format
settings, printer settings, or any other fancy attributes that
may be "attached" to any given spreadsheet model. When Lotus
123 reads in a DIF file, one can then save this model as a
Lotus "worksheet", but it will only contain the afore mentioned
data along with any of the "attached" attributes that a person
would add after loading in the DIF file.
To be able to send the data in a spreadsheet from one
spreadsheet package (mainframe) to another (Lotus or other) is
nonetheless quite valuable. This is quite easy assuming that
the spreadsheets used support DIF. By the way, Lotus 123 cannot
create a DIF file for subsequent transfer from the PC to the
mainframe.
More information on the technical specs on DIF can be obtained
by sending a $10 check to:
DIF Clearinghouse
27 Mica Lane
Wellesley, MA 02181
For those outside of the US, the check should be for $15. The
check is to made out to "DIF Clearinghouse". Expect 3 to 4
weeks normal delivery. They do not accept credit cards or COD.
The DIF Clearinghouse maintains three (3) pieces of information:
1. DIF Technical Specification
2. Byte Magazine reprint
3. Program List
Here is a *BRIEF* example of what a DIF file looks like.
Vector (Like Column)
Tuples (Like Row)
Examples:
One List, length 3
vector
0,1
tuple
0,3
Two Lists, length 3 and 5
vector
0,2
tuple
0,5 (Use the number representing the largest list)
There is also a book written on DIF:
The DIF File
Don Beil
by Reston/Prentice Hall
Jeff Bernard
Tech Support
Software Arts