How can one "create" a file format?

[Nickolas]

How can one create a file format? I am currently writing a mini programming language and my own tiny VM for learning purposes. I am interested in creating my own file format for the executables. Up to now, I have been using the BinaryWriter class and I would first create a new file, write a magic number to recognize the executable and then the instructions. Then I would use BinaryReader in the VM and instead of write, I read stuff. Now, I am interested in creating a completely new file format... How would you approach that?

P.S. This isn't really a programming question, but I found no other suitable section. Feel free to move it.

[m0skit0]

Well you kind of can think about it as a programming question, but I don't understand what you mean exactly... To create a file format, you define its format first, then you might also want to generate some examples to process.

[Nickolas]

Well you kind of can think about it as a programming question, but I don't understand what you mean exactly... To create a file format, you define its format first, then you might also want to generate some examples to process.

That's what I meant. How can I define it? XML? Or just have the assembler write the code according to a definition?

[m0skit0]

I still don't understand. If it's your own file format, then it cannot be XML because XML already exists as a file format... Maybe what you mean is what format would be more suitable to your needs?

[Nickolas]

I still don't understand. If it's your own file format, then it cannot be XML because XML already exists as a file format... Maybe what you mean is what format would be more suitable to your needs?

Know, I meant how can I define it, so that my program can write instructions in order, according to the format. Should I use XML for defining it? I really have no idea. I could to it on a piece of paper and then tell my program to write the instructions accordingly, but I want it to automatically recognize the order so that I can change it later on.

[m0skit0]

Oh yes, XML could be a good idea. Just keep in mind XML has no defined order, that is:

Code: Select all

<this>
    <is />
    <an />
    <example/>
</this>

is the same XML as

Code: Select all

<this>
    <example />
    <an />
    <is/>
</this>

[Nickolas]

Nice I can use that. I'll look it up a bit. Thanks.