G2ASC(1)

NAME
g2asc, asc2g - convert between binary and ASCII mged geometry databases.

SYNOPSIS
g2asc file.g file.asc
asc2g file.asc file.g

DESCRIPTION
The local machine binary representation of an mged(1) database is inherently non-portable. g2asc and asc2g are simple filters which convert between the binary form and an ASCII representation. Any warning messages are written to standard error.

The ASCII representation of BRL-CAD geometry databases is not a fixed format and is allowed to change without deprecation notice. In general, this will not occur any more frequently than the binary geometry database format changes, though both are open specifications. Regardless, the ASCII representation is subject to change without notice and should not be relied upon by external codes. Currently, the ASCII representation is a Tcl script that is parsed by a simplified geometry command interpreter.

g2asc and asc2g are typically used to convert binary mged(1) files to an ASCII format. This was traditionally performed so the files could be transferred to another machine in a portable format. Although no longer necessary for the current binary geometry database files that are created by mged ("v5" format), the g2asc conversion process is still necessary if manipulating older ("v4" format) geometry database files. On the local machine, files are converted to ASCII using g2asc(1), then transferred to the remote machine. On the remote machine, the files are then converted back to the binary representation for that machine using asc2g(1).

EXAMPLE
g2asc file.g file.asc
scp file.asc remote:file.asc
rsh remote "asc2g file.asc file.g"

DIAGNOSTICS
The diagnostics are intended to be self-explanatory.

SEE ALSO
brlcad(1), mged(1)

AUTHOR
Charles Michael Kennedy
Michael John Muuss

BUG REPORTS
Reports of bugs or problems should be submitted via electronic mail to <devs@brlcad.org>.