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CIF: the computer language of crystallography.
1Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4M1. idbrown@mcmaster.ca
Summary
The Crystallographic Information File (CIF) standard, adopted in 1990, is a flexible format for archiving and distributing crystallographic data. It is widely used in scientific journals and databases for reporting crystal structures.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Data Archiving
- Scientific Standards
Background:
- The International Union of Crystallography adopted the Crystallographic Information File (CIF) in 1990.
- CIF serves as a standard file structure for crystallographic data.
- It is essential for archiving and distributing scientific findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of the Crystallographic Information File (CIF).
- To describe the key features and advantages of the CIF standard.
- To discuss the future potential and extensibility of CIF.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development and adoption of CIF.
- Analysis of CIF's structural flexibility and compatibility.
- Examination of its integration with crystallographic databases and information systems.
Main Results:
- CIF is a well-established standard in crystallography.
- Its flexible and extensible structure supports relational and object-oriented models.
- CIF is increasingly adopted by crystallographic databases and journals.
Conclusions:
- The Crystallographic Information File (CIF) is a robust standard for crystallographic data.
- Future extensions will enhance its utility with advanced information software.
- CIF plays a crucial role in scientific communication and data management.