Coming soon in HDF5 2.0.0, file creation defaults have changed so you create more optimized HDF5 files—right out of the box. Until now, HDF5 has by default created files in the oldest file format, with all its limitations. Starting with HDF5 2.0.0, the library will now by default use the file format introducedin HDF5 1.8.0. This is a major upgrade that has the following advantages:
- Improves performance especially in groups with many links
- Optimizes file space usage
Files created with HDF5 2.0.0 will still be readable by library versions as old as 1.8.0. If you need compatibility with older versions, simply use H5Pset_libver_bounds() to set the earliest format to ensure backwards compatibility. If you want the latest and greatest file format and don’t care about backwards compatibility, you can use the same function to set the latest format.
With HDF5 2.0.0’s optimized defaults, you can focus on your data and applications rather than fine-tuning file formats. These changes represent our commitment to delivering better performance and functionality while maintaining the backward compatibility that HDF5 users have relied on for decades. Whether you’re working with large datasets, complex hierarchies, or legacy systems, HDF5 2.0.0 provides the foundation for efficient, future-ready data storage.