# Using the Formatting and Scanning Functions

Use data formatting functions to translate or reformat data items into other forms. For example, you can use these functions to translate between data stored on external files and the internal forms the program can manipulate or to reformat a foreign binary representation into a representation on which the program can operate.

The LabWindows/CVI Formatting and I/O Library contains the following subclasses of data formatting functions:

- Formatting functions

- Scanning functions

- Status functions

Use formatting functions to combine and format one or more source items into a single target item, and use scanning functions to break apart a single source item into several target items. The status functions return information regarding the success or failure of the formatting or scanning functions.

### Related Topics

Introductory Formatting and Scanning Examples

Formatting Functions

Scanning Functions

Formatting and I/O Library Programming Examples