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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.
Import Templates
Import templates are files that contain instructions for reading plot data files.

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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.
    - Import Language
      Import is an interpretive computer language designed specifically to create templates for reading plottable data files, such as XY data or time-histories. It is not a general purpose language, like C or BASIC. Import focuses on reading data files in the fastest most reliable manner.
    - Import Template Structure
      Each template typically consists of four sections or blocks.
    - Read Import Data
      Import templates are based on sequential access. All commands that read information, with the exception of integer variables, transfer data into a list or an array.
    - Data Flow Control
      Import contains provisions for jumping ahead in a file and then backing up (using rewind).
    - Errors and Error Handling
      Many import commands can result in a failure condition. This means that the template cannot complete the execution of a command in a meaningful fashion.
    - Conditional Execution
      The only time that a failure condition does not terminate execution is if it occurs in an if block.
    - Loops
      Besides conditional execution, Import also supports iteration.
    - Variables and Integer Math
      Integer variables can be declared anywhere in the global block of a template by using the int directive.
    - MADYMO Example
    - ADAMS Example
    - Import Statements
  - 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.
- 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.

Import Templates

Import templates are files that contain instructions for reading plot data files.

The program has over 20 different templates for reading a wide variety of data files. You can also write custom templates to support special file formats using the Import language, found in the three programs.

In order for the program to use a template, it must be registered in a list. When a data file is read, each template in the list is tried until the appropriate template is found. You can register your own list of templates using a preferences file.

Note: See the Preferences Files topic for more information on specifying default user settings at startup.

adams_matrix.tpl is grouped under ADAMS Time History file support.