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MCAP

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MCAP (pronounced "em-cap") is an open source container file format for multimodal log data. It supports multiple channels of timestamped pre-serialized data, and is ideal for use in pub/sub or robotics applications.

Pub/sub logging

Store multiple channels of timestamped log data, such as pub/sub messages or multimodal sensor data.

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Serialization-agnostic

Record and replay binary messages in any format – like Protobuf, DDS (CDR), ROS, JSON, and more.

High-performance writing

MCAP uses a row-oriented, append-only design to minimize disk I/O and reduce the risk of data corruption during unclean shutdowns.

Self-contained

MCAP stores message schemas alongside data, so your files remain readable in the future even as your codebase evolves.

Efficient seeking

MCAP files contain an optional index, allowing for fast, efficient reading, even over a low-bandwidth internet connection.

Optional compression

Choose between LZ4 or Zstandard for chunk-based compression, while still supporting efficient indexed reads.

Broad language support

Native reader and writer libraries are available in C++, Go, Python, Rust, Swift, and TypeScript.

Flexible

Configure optional features like chunking, indexing, CRC checksums, and compression to make the right tradeoffs for your application.

Production-grade

MCAP is used in production by a wide range of companies, from autonomous vehicles to drones, and is the default log format in ROS 2.

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