Representing file data using virtual hierarchy

Data in a file is read to virtual, autonomous, hierarchically structured object classes that are independent of an application implementation. The object classes are navigable and/or actionable allowing various operations including, but not limited to, validation, integrity testing, "file open", and file repair at the data level. By rendering a complete picture of the data including relationships before it is actually consumed by an application, security and robustness of applications can be enhanced.