A Model and Declarative Language for Specifying Binary Data Formats

Tasks related to binary data formats include parsing, generating, and conjoint code and data analysis. A key element for all of these tasks is a universal data format model. An approach to modeling binary data formats is proposed. The described model has sufficient expressive power for specifying the majority of widespread data formats. A distinctive feature of this model is its flexibility in specifying field locations and the ability to describe external fields the structure of which cannot be determined by parsing. The implemented infrastructure makes it possible to create and modify the representation using application programming interfaces. An algorithm is proposed for parsing binary data using the specified model based on the concept of computability of fields. A domain-specific language for data format specification is also described. The specified formats and potential practical applications of the model for programmatic analysis of formatted data are discussed.