HSkod

HSkod is a binary data encoding format and processing framework designed for high-throughput streaming systems. It provides a compact, self-describing container for heterogeneous data and aims to enable low-latency encoding and decoding across languages.

The name HSkod is a neologism derived from high-speed coding, intended to convey speed and modularity. The core format uses a lightweight header followed by a sequence of blocks. Each block can encode primitive values, arrays, or nested records. Data is serialized in a compact binary representation that relies on variable-length integers and a small set of type markers. The format emphasizes zero-copy access where possible and supports streaming decoding.

Schema and compatibility: HSkod separates schema from data; fields are identified by numeric IDs, enabling forward and backward compatibility. Optional fields and default values allow schema evolution without breaking older readers. There is no global schema registry built into the core spec, but companion tools can provide external schema definitions.

Implementations and use: There are reference implementations in C++, Java, Python, and Rust, plus experimental bindings for Go and C. Use cases include telemetry, sensor networks, and event logs in data pipelines that require efficient serialization and cross-language interoperability.

History and reception: The project was initiated by an international collaboration of researchers and industry developers in the late 2010s. The first public specification appeared in the early 2020s, with ongoing updates and several community-driven implementations. Some critics note complexity and limited adoption outside niche domains, while proponents cite strong performance characteristics and flexible evolution. Related formats include Avro, Protobuf, and Parquet.