This guide is for people who wish to use the OPeNDAP software to write a new OPeNDAP data server, a new client, or a new client library. Typically, this will only be those people who wish to serve data in a format that is not currently supported by the DODS team, or who have an existing application that uses an idiosyncratic or unusual API for data access. Most people will be able to use one of the already written servers or client libraries. See the The OPeNDAP User Guide for a list of these.
This documentation assumes that the readers are C++ programmers, are familiar with networked applications, and the POSIX programming environment. The DODS/OPeNDAP project also provides a native Java class library (API) that parallels the C++ spftware described here.1
Also available are two tutorials, Writing an OPeNDAP Client and Writing an OPeNDAP Server , which descrie how to write a client or a server, respectively.
Because the type of information presented in a document like this depends to a large extent on the needs of its readers we welcome your feedback and comments. In particular, if you have any questions about individual sections, email those questions and we'll send back an answer as well as including that information in the next version of this document. Send queries to: support@unidata.ucar.edu.