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Project File Format

The Project file format with file extension sipx is used by SIDRA INTERSECTION Versions 11 and 10. This file uses a compressed JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) datastore format.

Prepared as a versionless Project file for compatibility between future versions, the sipx file offers smaller file size, and quicker processing and file saving times.

What does versionless Project file mean?

Project files created in future versions will also have the sipx extension even if they have new input and output parameters added to the file. The versionless Project file feature will come into play first in Version 11. The users will be able to use Version 10 to open a Project file prepared in Version 11 even if it has new input and output parameters in the file. Similarly, it will be possible to open Version 12 files in Versions 10 and 11.

The Project files will be subject to Project compatibility levels, which means that some aspects of future versions may not be available in earlier versions. The compatibility levels are:

  • Level 1 Compatibility: Fully Compatible.
  • Level 2 Compatibility: Minor Incompatibility of Inputs and Outputs.
  • Level 3 Compatibility: Incompatible Inputs and Compatible Outputs.
  • Level 4 Compatibility: Incompatible Inputs and Outputs.

Warning

SIDRA INTERSECTION Project files with sipx extension cannot be saved in older file formats (sip9, sip8, sip7, sip6, sip and aap).

Opening old version Project files

Use File → Open to convert existing Project files with sip9 extension to sipx format. The new Project file will be opened for use.

Use File → Batch Convert for converting a number of Project files with sip9 extension to sipx format. When the file conversion process using the Batch Convert function is completed, the new Project (sipx) files will be saved automatically. This process can take a long time depending on the number of files. You need to open the desired file (sipx) after the completion of the conversion process.

Older Project files with aap, sip, sip6, sip7 and sip8 extensions can be batch converted to sip9 format with ease using the SIDRA UTILITY named SIDRA SIP9 CONVERTER. You can then convert them to sipx format using File → Open or File → Batch Convert in SIDRA INTERSECTION.

The SIDRA SIP9 CONVERTER Utility is available for download and installation from the SIDRA SOLUTIONS website free of charge.

The process of opening old version Project files involves conversion to the current file format and adding new parameters introduced in the current version, and therefore, it can be a slow process depending on the number of Sites in the Project. The Status Bar (bottom left corner of the user interface) will indicate the progress with importing of Sites and Networks into SIDRA INTERSECTION 11. Save the Project when importing of Sites and Networks is complete.

Backup File

Each time a Project file is opened by SIDRA INTERSECTION, a backup file is created. The backup file has the name of the Project file (including the .sipx extension) with the further extension .BAK added, and is saved in the same folder as the Project file.

For example, if you open the Project file MyProject.sipx, the backup file will be named MyProject.sipx.BAK and will be created in the same folder as MyProject.sipx.

Refer to Section 2.4 of the User Guide for more detailed discussion on backup files.