iXf

iXf is a term that can refer to different technology-related concepts, and it does not point to a single, universally defined standard. In many discussions, iXf is used informally to denote the Informix interchange format (IXF), a data interchange format associated with IBM Informix. The capitalization of iXf varies, reflecting its use as an acronym in different contexts.

The Informix interchange format (IXF) is designed to transfer table data and metadata between Informix databases or between Informix and other systems. It supports the representation of table schemas, including columns, data types, and constraints, along with the corresponding data rows. This enables tasks such as data migration, backups, and data sharing across database environments.

In practice, IXF has been used in ETL workflows and database administration as a means to move data between systems. It has a long history within Informix tooling and enterprise data pipelines. While still encountered in legacy environments, many modern data integration approaches now favor formats such as CSV, JSON, XML, or direct database replication. Compatibility and support depend on the versions of Informix involved and the target platform or toolchain.

Beyond the Informix usage, iXf may appear as a product name, project identifier, or internal acronym in various technology companies. Because iXf lacks a single official definition, its meaning is highly context-dependent. If a specific context or source is provided, the intended meaning can be clarified accordingly.