Exporter (computing)
Encyclopedia
An exporter is a software application that writes out a data file
in a format different from its native format. It does this via special algorithm
s (such as filters
). An exporter often is not an entire program by itself, but an extension to another program, implemented as a plug-in. When implemented in this way, the exporter converts the hosting application's native format into the desired format and writes it to the file.
For example, a 3D model may be written with a modeler, such as 3D Studio Max
. A game developer
may want to use that model in its game, but uses a custom format that is different from 3D Studio Max's native format. Using the exporter, the model can be saved in the developer's native format and then read into the game (or a tool
) without any extra conversion. Using exporters, game tools
can also export from their native format into formats for other applications (such as the modeler or a paint program, such as PhotoShop).
Exporters are important tools in the video game industry. A plug-in or application that does the converse of an exporter is called an importer
. Importers and exporters are often used in conjunction with one another in many software development environments.
Computer file
A computer file is a block of arbitrary information, or resource for storing information, which is available to a computer program and is usually based on some kind of durable storage. A file is durable in the sense that it remains available for programs to use after the current program has finished...
in a format different from its native format. It does this via special algorithm
Algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is an effective method expressed as a finite list of well-defined instructions for calculating a function. Algorithms are used for calculation, data processing, and automated reasoning...
s (such as filters
Filter (software)
A filter is a computer program to process a data stream. Some operating systems such as Unix are rich with filter programs. Even Windows has some simple filters built into its command shell, most of which have significant enhancements relative to the similar filter commands that were available in...
). An exporter often is not an entire program by itself, but an extension to another program, implemented as a plug-in. When implemented in this way, the exporter converts the hosting application's native format into the desired format and writes it to the file.
For example, a 3D model may be written with a modeler, such as 3D Studio Max
3D Studio Max
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio MAX, is for making 3D animations. It was developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capabilities, a flexible plugin architecture and can be used on the Microsoft Windows platform. It's frequently used by video game developers, TV...
. A game developer
Video game developer
A video game developer is a software developer that creates video games. A developer may specialize in a certain video game console, such as Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, or may develop for a variety of systems, including personal computers.Most developers also...
may want to use that model in its game, but uses a custom format that is different from 3D Studio Max's native format. Using the exporter, the model can be saved in the developer's native format and then read into the game (or a tool
Game development tool
A game development tool is a specialized software application that assists or facilitates the making of a computer or video game. Some tasks handled by tools include the conversion of assets into formats required by the game, level editing and script compilation.Almost all game development tools...
) without any extra conversion. Using exporters, game tools
Game development tool
A game development tool is a specialized software application that assists or facilitates the making of a computer or video game. Some tasks handled by tools include the conversion of assets into formats required by the game, level editing and script compilation.Almost all game development tools...
can also export from their native format into formats for other applications (such as the modeler or a paint program, such as PhotoShop).
Exporters are important tools in the video game industry. A plug-in or application that does the converse of an exporter is called an importer
Importer (computing)
An importer is a software application that reads in a data file or metadata information in one format and converts it to another format via special algorithms . An importer often is not an entire program by itself, but an extension to another program, implemented as a plug-in...
. Importers and exporters are often used in conjunction with one another in many software development environments.