The output format may also be determined according to the format of a related input dataset. This is achieved by putting the ``wild-card'' character `*' at the start of the output format list, as follows:
setenv NDF_FORMATS_OUT '*,.,FIGARO(.dst),FITS(.fit),IRAF(.imh)
This affects new datasets which are created as a result of the
propagation of information from an existing dataset
(e.g. by applications calling the routines
NDF_PROP or
NDF_SCOPY, as described in
SUN/33) and for which no explicit
output file extension is given. In this instance, not only will data
values be propagated, but so also will the dataset format. Thus, if a
FIGARO format dataset (with file extension `.dst') had
been accessed for input and propagated to create an output dataset,
then a similar FIGARO format dataset would be created (also with a
`.dst' file extension) unless an explicit output file extension were
given.
Note that output datasets which are created by applications without propagation from an existing dataset do not inherit any format information. In this case, any `*' in the format list is ignored and the normal rules apply (in the example above, a native format NDF dataset would be created instead).