Question

I am using python struct module to create custom binary files.

The file itself has the following format:

4 bytes (integer)
1 byte (unsigned char)
4 bytes (float)

4 bytes (integer)
1 byte (unsigned char)
4 bytes (float)

…………………….. (100000 such lines)

4 bytes (integer)
1 byte (unsigned char)
4 bytes (float)

---

Currently, I am using a 32bit machine to create these custom binary files. I am soon planning on switching to a 64bit machine.

Will I be able to read/write the same files using both {32bit / 64bit} machines? or should I expect compatibility issues?

(I will be using Ubuntu Linux for both)

Answer 1

As long as your struct format string uses “standard size and alignment” (< or >) rather than “native size and alignment” (@), your files can be used cross-platform.