ross@spam.ua.oz.au (Ross Williams) (06/24/91)
Archive-name: compression/interface/data-compression-standard/1991-06-20
Archive: sirius.itd.adelaide.edu.au:/pub/misc/dc_stan* [129.127.40.3]
Original-posting-by: ross@spam.ua.oz.au (Ross Williams)
Original-subject: Proposal for data compression interface standard.
Reposted-by: emv@msen.com (Edward Vielmetti, MSEN)
PROPOSAL FOR A DATA COMPRESSION INTERFACE STANDARD
==================================================
Author : Ross Williams.
Date : 20-Jun-1991.
There are now so many data compression algorithms with so many
different characteristics, written in so many different languages, on
so many different systems that there is pressing need for a
standardized data compression algorithm interface. A standardized
interface would yield the following benefits:
* The standard interface would allow programmers to code for
generic data compression and then quickly and easily swap between
various algorithms until they find the one best suited for thir
application. Writing glue code may be trivial, but if one has to
do it twenty times, it can become prohibitively time consuming.
* A standard interface would assist those cataloging and comparing
algorithms.
* A standard interface would encourage the designers of data
compression algorithms to provide conforming implementations.
* A standard interface would make it easy for programmers to write
programs that select from a range of data compression algorithms
at run time.
As far as I know, no such standard exists and so I have devised a
standard which I propose be used in all applications of general
purpose data compression algorithms. I am posting the standard and its
justification to comp.compression in the hope that after a few rounds
of critical discussion and revision an informal standard can be
settled upon. A later date, a standards committee could become
involved.
As it stands, my standard proposal is fairly rough. I look forward to
your assistance in knocking it into shape.
Ross Williams
ross@spam.ua.oz.au
Note 1: In the past when I have posted stuff, I have often received a
barrage of email which would have been best shared with the group. For
this exercise, which will be a group discussion, I suggest a bias for
posting.
Note 2: I am choosing to post this stuff instead of referring to an
ftp site, as every time I refer to something I have put in an ftp
site, I get a barrage of mail from people without ftp access wanting
me to email them a copy. This said, the files will be available in:
Machine : sirius.itd.adelaide.edu.au [IP=129.127.40.3]
Directory : ~pub/misc/
Files: : dc_stan_spec - The proposed standard.
dc_stan_just - Justification of the standard.
cm_header.h - Child standard for C programming
language.
-- MSEN Archive Service file verification
sirius.itd.adelaide.edu.au
-rw-r--r-- 1 root wheel 8936 Jun 21 09:59 /pub/misc/dc_stan_just.Z
-rw-r--r-- 1 root wheel 10478 Jun 21 09:58 /pub/misc/dc_stan_spec.Z
found data-compression-standard ok
sirius.itd.adelaide.edu.au:/pub/misc/dc_stan*