Apache Arrow IPC Stream

The Apache Arrow IPC Stream format (.arrow) is a binary file format designed for efficient data transfer and storage, particularly within the Apache Arrow ecosystem. It's a columnar memory format, meaning data is organized by columns rather than rows, which is highly beneficial for analytical workloads. This format facilitates zero-copy data sharing between processes and systems, significantly reducing overhead and improving performance. Arrow IPC streams are typically used for transferring large datasets between applications that support the Arrow format, such as data processing engines, databases, and machine learning frameworks. The format includes metadata describing the schema of the data, allowing for self-describing data exchange. It is optimized for fast serialization and deserialization, making it ideal for real-time data processing and high-performance computing. The format is language-agnostic, with implementations available in various programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, and R. The .arrow file extension typically represents a stream of Arrow data, which can be a single batch or a sequence of batches representing a larger dataset. The format is designed to be extensible and supports various data types and encodings.

.arrow ipc File

Apache Arrow IPC Stream

Compatible Software Alternatives

136

Searches

Data

Software Compatibility

Programs that can open and work with .arrow ipc files

Windows

Compatible Applications

Apache Arrow libraries (via programming)

Compatible

DuckDB

Compatible

Polars (via programming)

Compatible

macOS

Compatible Applications

Apache Arrow libraries (via programming)

Compatible

DuckDB

Compatible

Polars (via programming)

Compatible

Linux

Compatible Applications

Apache Arrow libraries (via programming)

Compatible

DuckDB

Compatible

Polars (via programming)

Compatible

Mobile

Mobile Applications

No mobile app information available

Check back later for updates

Small space, big impact.

Alternative File Formats

Similar formats you can consider

.Parquet

Alternative format for .arrow ipc files

.ORC

Alternative format for .arrow ipc files

.CSV

Alternative format for .arrow ipc files

.Feather

Alternative format for .arrow ipc files

Small space, big impact.

Related Categories

Related Files

View All Data Files

Frequently Asked Questions

About .arrow ipc Files

To open a .arrow ipc file, you need compatible software. Here are some options:

Apache Arrow libraries (via programming)
DuckDB

Check the "Software Compatibility" section above for a complete list of programs that can open .arrow ipc files on different operating systems.

To convert a .arrow ipc file to another format, you can:

Use compatible software: Many programs that open .arrow ipc files also allow saving or exporting to different formats. For example, you might try using Apache Arrow libraries (via programming) or Apache Arrow libraries (via programming).
Try online conversion services: Websites like Zamzar, CloudConvert, or Online-Convert can transform files between formats without installing software.
Convert to recommended alternatives: For .arrow ipc files, consider converting to .Parquet, .ORC, .CSV for better compatibility.
Specialized conversion tools: Search for ".arrow ipc converter" to find tools specifically designed for this file type.

Note: Converting files may result in some loss of formatting, quality, or functionality depending on the compatibility between formats.

If you're having trouble opening a .arrow ipc file, try these troubleshooting steps:

Verify the file extension is correct: Sometimes files may be incorrectly named. Make sure the file truly is a .arrow ipc file.
Update your software: Ensure you're using the latest version of your chosen program.
Try alternative software: If one program doesn't work, try another from our compatibility list.
Check for file corruption: The file might be damaged. Try to obtain a new copy if possible.
Look for file converters: Converting to a more common format might help.

Like any file type, .arrow ipc files can be safe or potentially risky depending on their source:

From trusted sources: Files from reputable websites, colleagues, or friends are generally safe.
From unknown sources: Exercise caution with files from unfamiliar websites or emails.

Safety recommendations:

Always scan files with antivirus software before opening them
Keep your operating system and applications updated
Be particularly cautious with executable file types

Common issues with .arrow ipc files include:

Compatibility problems: Older or newer versions of software may not fully support certain .arrow ipc files
Missing elements: Fonts, media, or other components may not transfer correctly between systems
File corruption: Incomplete downloads or transfer errors can damage files
Format variations: Different software may implement the .arrow ipc format in slightly different ways

If you're experiencing issues with a specific .arrow ipc file, you might need to:

Try opening it with alternative software
Ask the file creator to save it in a different format
Look for specific patches or updates for your software

Chat with AI About .arrow ipc Files

💡 Suggested questions: