From the File menu, you can open an implementation file to serve as a schema for the existing file.  You can also open a file format registry, select its tab, and select a schema from the list shown.  The following steps show how this is done.

Stand-alone implementation file method Select File.Open BAR Implementation File. Choose an implementation file from the dialog.  The implementation file information displays in the data display window. Select File.Open Data File. Choose a data file from the dialog.  The I.F. determines which file extension filter is used; you can turn the filter off by selecting "All Files (*.*)" from the File Type combo box.

Embedded-within-registry method If the master registry is loaded on startup, you might be able to skip steps 2 and 3. Select File.Open BAR Registry. Choose a registry file from the dialog.  The registry contents displays in the data display window. Select a file format from the list (e.g. BMP). Select File.Open Data File, or click the  Open button in the data display window. Choose a data file from the dialog.  The I.F. determines which file extension filter is used; you can turn the filter off by selecting "All Files (*.*)" from the File Type combo box.

What happens next will vary, depending on the I.F. used to deserialize the file.  The stand-alone I.F. example on the left will open an XML document, while the registry-based I.F. example on the right will open a BMP image file.

Generally speaking, the result will look like the picture to the left.  The I.F. used in the deserialization process determines how the node hierarchy is constructed, so different implementation files will yield very different-looking trees.

However the tree looks, you can do whatever you want now to the data:  view, edit, copy, paste, query, or compare.  Please note that in BARfly Bronze, you cannot edit the displayed data--you can only view.

If you have BARfly Silver or better, you can edit the file "piecemeal" using the mouse, keyboard, and the Edit and Insert menus.  You can find more information about how to do this in the section on node editing.

You need to be aware of a very important issue when it comes to binary file processing:  validation of the file that must be opened is a very tricky and exacting process.  Corrupted files and files that don't match the format of the I.F. will not open.  The success or failure of the operation is reported in the log, so be sure to check it if the file you tried to open does not appear before you as expected.

  See also: [Viewing files in BARfly] [Creating a new file] [Using the node browser]