CFITSIO 3.60

imipak ❘ Open Source

CFITSIO: The Essential Library for Handling FITS Data

Pete Milner

01/06/2025

CFITSIO is a robust library for reading and writing FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) files, designed for astronomers and astrophysics software, offering excellent performance and flexibility.

CFITSIO is a software library designed for the manipulation of Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) data files. The library allows users to read, write, and manipulate FITS files in various programming languages such as C, C++, and Fortran. CFITSIO supports the FITS standard, enabling users to work with data commonly used in astronomical and astrophysical research.

With CFITSIO, users can access and modify FITS files containing multidimensional arrays, tables, images, and other data structures. The library provides functionalities to create new FITS files, read data from existing files, update header information, and perform operations like filtering and processing of FITS data.

One of the key features of CFITSIO is its comprehensive support for FITS file handling, including checksum verification, automatic datatype conversion, parsing of header keywords, and virtual access to compressed FITS files. This makes CFITSIO a versatile tool for working with FITS files efficiently and accurately.

Users can integrate CFITSIO into their data processing pipelines, simulations, or analysis tools to handle FITS data seamlessly. The library's consistent interface and robust functionality make it a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and developers working with astronomical data stored in FITS format.

CFITSIO simplifies the manipulation of FITS files by providing a powerful library that streamlines file I/O operations, header processing, and data access. Whether you are reading data from space telescopes or generating simulated astronomical datasets, CFITSIO offers a reliable solution for working with FITS files effectively.

Overview

CFITSIO is a Open Source software in the category Education developed by imipak.

The latest version of CFITSIO is 3.60, released on 02/18/2008. It was initially added to our database on 08/24/2007.

CFITSIO runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

CFITSIO has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Supports Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) file format widely used in astronomy and astrophysics
Provides a library of C and Fortran subroutines for reading and writing FITS files
Cross-platform compatibility allows for use on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux
Regular updates and improvements to ensure compatibility with modern systems and technologies

Cons

The learning curve may be steep for users who are unfamiliar with the FITS file format or the C/Fortran programming languages
Limited GUI or user-friendly interface, primarily designed for developers and researchers familiar with coding
Documentation may be technical and complex, making it challenging for beginners to navigate and utilize the software effectively

FAQ

What is CFITSIO?

CFITSIO is a library of C and Fortran subroutines for reading and writing data files in the Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) format.

What are the key features of CFITSIO?

CFITSIO provides a wide range of functions for accessing and manipulating FITS files. It supports various image and table formats, provides data compression options, supports multi-threading, and offers extensive error handling capabilities.

How can I install CFITSIO?

CFITSIO can be installed by following the installation instructions provided with the library. It typically involves compiling the source code and linking it with your application.

Is CFITSIO free to use?

Yes, CFITSIO is free software. It is distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL).

What platforms does CFITSIO support?

CFITSIO is designed to be platform-independent and can be used on various operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What programming languages are supported by CFITSIO?

CFITSIO provides interfaces for both C and Fortran programming languages. For other languages, there may be additional language bindings available.

Can CFITSIO handle large FITS files?

Yes, CFITSIO supports handling large FITS files with sizes up to several terabytes.

Are there any high-level libraries or tools built on top of CFITSIO?

Yes, there are several higher-level libraries like Astropy and PyFITS that provide additional functionality on top of CFITSIO for Python developers.

Where can I find documentation and examples for CFITSIO?

The CFITSIO package comes with a comprehensive documentation manual that includes examples. Online resources, such as the CFITSIO website, also provide additional documentation and examples.

Is technical support available for CFITSIO?

While there is no official technical support, CFITSIO has an active community of users and developers who can provide assistance through forums and mailing lists.

Pete Milner

I'm Pete, a software reviewer at UpdateStar with a passion for the ever-evolving world of technology. My background in engineering gives me a unique insight into the intricacies of software, allowing me to provide in-depth, knowledgeable reviews and analyses. Whether it's the newest software releases, tech innovations, or the latest trends, I'm here to break it all down for you. I work from UpdateStar’s Berlin main office.

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