###
DEF 5.8 C/C++ Programming Interface (Open Licensing Program)

# Preface

This manual describes the C and C++ programming interface used to read and write Cadence® Design Exchange Format (DEF) files. To use this manual, you should be an experienced C or C++ programmer, and be familiar with DEF file structure.

## What's New

For information on what is new or changed in the DEF programming interface for version 5.8, see What's New in DEF C/C++ Programming Interface.

For information on what is new or changed in the LEF programming interface for version 5.8, see What's New in LEF C/C++ Programming Interface.

For information on what is new or changed in LEF and DEF for version 5.8, see What's New in LEF/DEF.

## Related Documents

The DEF C/C++ programming interface lets you create programs that read and write DEF files. For more information about the Design Exchange Format (DEF) file syntax, see the
LEF/DEF Language Reference.

## Typographic and Syntax Conventions

This list describes the conventions used in this manual.

text

> Words in monospace type indicate keywords that you must enter literally. These keywords represent language tokens.

variable

> Words in italics indicate user-defined information for which you must substitute a name or a value.

int

> Specifies an integer argument

num

> Some LEF classes can be defined more than once. A statement that begins with the identifier num represents a specific number of calls to the particular class type.

{ }

> Braces enclose each entire LEF class definition.

|

> Vertical bars separate possible choices for a single argument. They take precedence over any other character.

[ ]

> Brackets denote optional arguments. When used with vertical bars, they enclose a list of choices from which you can choose one.

4/18/17

Return to top of page

For support, see Cadence Online Support service.
Copyright © 2016, Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.