# Formatting and I/O Library Overview

This section describes the functions in the LabWindows/CVI Formatting and I/O Library and contains many examples of how to use them. The Formatting and I/O Library contains functions that input and output data to files and manipulate the format of data in a program. To access information about each function, use the function tree list of Formatting and I/O Library functions or click the function name in the Alphabetical List of Functions section of the Contents tab.

Because the Formatting and I/O Library differs in many respects from the other LabWindows/CVI libraries, it is very important to read the Special Nature of the Formatting and Scanning Functions section before you read the other sections of this help file.

The Using the Formatting and Scanning Functions section describes in detail this special class of functions. Although the function reference section lists these functions, their versatility and complex nature require a more complete discussion.