The classic model is simple, well-understood, and had been around for a long time. The enhanced data model offers many new features for structuring data. Data producers must choose which data model to use.

Reasons to use the classic model:

• Data using the classic model can be read by all existing netCDF software.
• Writing programs for classic model data is easier.
• Most or all existing netCDF conventions are targeted at the classic model.
• Many great features, like compression, parallel I/O, large data sizes, etc., are available within the classic model.

Reasons to use the ehanced model:

• Complex data structures can be represented very easily in the data, leading to easier programming.
• If exisiting HDF5 applications produce or use these data, and depend on user-defined types, unsigned types, strings, or groups, then the enhanced model is required.
• In performance-critical applications, the enhanced model may provide significant benefits.

2011 Unidata NetCDF Workshop > The Two NetCDF Data Models