Xbin

Xbin, sometimes written XBin, is a name used for several unrelated concepts in computing and digital media. There is no universally recognized standard associated with Xbin, and the term is applied differently across projects.

XBin as a binary data format: In some software projects, XBin refers to a compact binary container used to package resources such as textures, models, or executable modules. Typical design features include a small header with a magic string and version number, an endianness indicator, and a payload that may be uncompressed or compressed. Implementations vary by project, with differences in alignment, metadata, and compression algorithms. The format's intended goals are fast loading and reduced storage footprint, especially in environments with limited resources.

XBin as a community archive: In retro computing and BBS/file-sharing contexts, XBin denotes a collection or directory of binary files distributed under a common label. These archives are commonly organized with an index or catalog and may include descriptive metadata such as title, author, date, and description. The contents can span executables, demos, images, and data for older hardware or emulators. As with many community formats, quality and structure are inconsistent across libraries.

Notes and provenance: Because Xbin is used by diverse projects without a shared specification, details such as file layout, metadata schemes, and tooling are project-specific. Users encountering XBin files or archives should consult accompanying documentation or project maintainers to understand the intended usage and compatibility.

See also: binary file formats, resource packaging, demoscene archives, digital archives.