An exporter is a
software application that writes out a
data file
A data file is a computer file which stores data to be used by a computer application or system, including input and output data. A data file usually does not contain instructions or code to be executed (that is, a computer program).
Most of the ...
in a format different from its native format. It does this via special
algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm () is a finite sequence of rigorous instructions, typically used to solve a class of specific problems or to perform a computation. Algorithms are used as specifications for performing ...
s (such as
filters). An exporter often is not an entire program by itself, but an extension to another program, implemented as a
plug-in. When implemented in this way, the exporter converts the hosting application's native format into the desired format and writes it to the file.
For example, a
3D model may be written with a modeler, such as
3D Studio Max
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capab ...
. A
game developer may want to use that model in its
game, but uses a custom format that is different from 3D Studio Max's native format. Using the exporter, the model can be saved in the developer's native format and then read into the game (or a
tool
A tool is an object that can extend an individual's ability to modify features of the surrounding environment or help them accomplish a particular task. Although many animals use simple tools, only human beings, whose use of stone tools dates ba ...
) without any extra conversion. Using exporters,
game tools can also export from their native format into formats for other applications (such as the modeler or a paint program, such as
Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a raster graphics editor developed and published by Adobe Inc. for Windows and macOS. It was originally created in 1988 by Thomas and John Knoll. Since then, the software has become the industry standard not only in raster ...
).
Exporters are important tools in the
video game industry
The video game industry encompasses the development, marketing, and monetization of video games. The industry encompasses dozens of job disciplines and thousands of jobs worldwide.
The video game industry has grown from niches to mainstrea ...
. A plug-in or application that does the converse of an exporter is called an
importer. Importers and exporters are often used in conjunction with one another in many software development environments.
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Video game development