What to put in a binary data file's header

Question

I have a simulation that reads large binary data files that we create (10s to 100s of GB). We use binary for speed reasons. These files are system dependent, converted from te

Answer 1

If you are putting a version number in the header you can change that version anytime you need to change the POD struct or add new fields to the header.

So don't add stuff to the header now because it might be interesting. You are just creating code that you have to maintain but that has little real value.