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API, Reference Guides
Overview of external readers and the Altair Binary Format, the generic ASCII reader, running applications in batch mode, using Tcl/Tk commands, translators, and result math.
External Resources
External resources can be registered in preference files, session files, or Templex files. If an external resource is registered in a program session, it is automatically registered in the session file when the session is saved.
External Functions - Altair IPC
You can create external programs for processing plot data in the program using the C programming language. Altair IPC, or inter-process communication, allows you to exchange data between the Altair program and an external program.
Test and Debug Using the Altair IPC Driver
Altair IPC Functions
There are five Altair IPC functions for exchanging data between the Altair program and an external program.

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API, Reference Guides
Overview of external readers and the Altair Binary Format, the generic ASCII reader, running applications in batch mode, using Tcl/Tk commands, translators, and result math.
- Extensions
  Extensions are programs integrated with the application to enhance or extend the user experience.
- External Readers and Altair Binary Format
  Altair Binary Format (ABF) is the standard binary format read by the program. A library called abflib allows you to create files in ABF.
- Generic ASCII Reader
  A generic ASCII reader is now available which allows you to bring custom results directly into HyperView. The Altair ASCII format is useful for reading the results of any in-house or propriety codes which are saved in a generic format.
- Batch Mode
  Batch mode allows you perform a series of operations outside the program interface.
- External Resources
  External resources can be registered in preference files, session files, or Templex files. If an external resource is registered in a program session, it is automatically registered in the session file when the session is saved.
  - External Resources for Preference Files
  - External Resources for Session Files
  - External Resources for Templex Files
  - Import Templates
    Import templates are files that contain instructions for reading plot data files.
  - Export Templates
    Export templates are Templex programs that export curve data to files.
  - External Functions - Altair IPC
    You can create external programs for processing plot data in the program using the C programming language. Altair IPC, or inter-process communication, allows you to exchange data between the Altair program and an external program.
    - Write External Functions with Altair IPC
      The external programs called from within the program must be written in C and incorporate the Altair IPC functions.
    - Error Handling
      Altair IPC status codes can be used for error handling within your C program.
    - Test and Debug on PC
      An external function executable should be tested and debugged using two methods before you call it from within the Altair product.
    - Test External Functions Outside of the Application
      You can run an external function at the command line to verify that the function works properly.
    - Test and Debug Using the Altair IPC Driver
      - Altair IPC Functions
        There are five Altair IPC functions for exchanging data between the Altair program and an external program.
        AltairIpcGetIncomingHeader
        Reads header information from the Altair program.
        AltairIpcGetVector
        Reads vector data from the Altair program.
        AltairIpcGetVectorList
        Reads the list of vector data sent to the external program.
        AltairIpcParseCommandLine
        Parses options sent via the command line to the external program.
        AltairIpcPutError
        Parses options sent via the command line to the external program.
        AltairIpcPutVector
        Sends vector data to the Altair program.
      - Multiplication C-only Filter Example
      - Simple Example
- Python API
  The Python API documentation for HyperMesh applications.
- Tcl/Tk Commands
  The application's scripting interface is a set of Tcl/Tk commands that follow a simple and consistent syntax.
- Translators
  Translators are utilities that are run from the command line of the operating system to convert various types of files into different formats.
- Result Math
  XML commands in the Result Math Module.
- HWC Console
  Record playback workflows in the application.
- HyperMesh Report
- Task Manager
  Use the Task Manager to load an XML file that defines tasks and their attributes.
- HyperMesh
- MotionView
- Templex and Math Reference Guide
- Script and Model Library
  The Script and Model Library is a database of freely accessible scripts and models posted by users and Altair engineers.

Altair IPC Functions

There are five Altair IPC functions for exchanging data between the Altair program and an external program.

Note: Only the Altair IPC functions are described in this chapter. For more information on the C programming language, refer to The C Programming Language by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie.