reading binary files

[arcnon]

I need to edit a binary file but I need to have some understanding of the gothcas so the edited info can get put back in correctly. I am editing with OSX but the format is little endian x86. Any one have any hints to make this a bit less painful?

thanks
arcnon

 

[icrf]

Shouldn't be any big issues. On windows, you need to make sure to set binmode() on the filehandle, but I doubt OSX has that issue.

I'd probably suggest using sysread and syswrite instead of <>/read/print. sys* are unbuffered and don't mix well with the other i/o functions. I find it more straightforward to use them and fill my own buffers when working with binary files.

Get real familliar with pack/unpack. Knowing how to use them well will make your life much easier. It sounds like you already understand byte-ordering, so you'll probably do fine.

Best of luck.

________________________________________
Andrew

 

[arcnon]

I am trying to become more chummy with pack/unpack. The data structure is quite complex and trying to decide the "easiest way" isn't always the best way. Thanks for comment.