Open Formats
Open formats are file or data formats that are publicly documented, non-proprietary, and freely usable without restrictions, ensuring interoperability and long-term accessibility. They are typically developed through open standards processes by communities or organizations, allowing data to be shared and processed across different software and platforms without vendor lock-in. Examples include formats like PDF/A for documents, ODF for office files, and CSV for tabular data.
Developers should learn and use open formats to build systems that are interoperable, future-proof, and compliant with regulations requiring data transparency and preservation. This is critical in domains like government, healthcare, and research, where data must remain accessible over long periods, as well as in open-source projects to avoid dependency on proprietary tools. For instance, using JSON or XML instead of a proprietary binary format ensures data can be easily exchanged between applications.