Description: This attribute indicates the formats of the saved information. Each serves a different purpose.

The ascii format is readable by operators and can be easily parsed and generated by scripts. NMS makes use of this format. Note that the syntax is subject to change without notice. This format is generated via Save -ascii Prov. A view with an ascii format can be loaded and activated.

The commit format is generated via Commit Prov and allows for fast activation, that is, a shorter service outage time. The system will never leave a view with only this format, as it cannot be loaded.

The delta format contains the changes made between the current view and the edit view. It is, therefore, much smaller and faster to Load or Save than the other formats. A view containing this format can be loaded or have the changes applied to the edit view. This provides a mechanism to propagate a set of changes from one view to another. A view containing only this format can be activated if this would not require a system reload. To generate this format, issue Save Prov without the -ascii or portable options.

The part format is generated via Save component() Prov. The part format can be loaded. The syntax of this format is subject to change without notice.

The portable format is a compact representation that can be quickly loaded. It can be transported from one Passport to another, or to an NMS. It is generated via Save -portable Prov. The portable format can be loaded and activated.

Description of bits: ascii(0) commit(1) delta(2) part(3) portable(4)