The ability to arbitrarily serialize data into a self-describing format is reminiscent of XML, but SDXF is not a text format (as XML) — SDXF is not compatible with text editors.
The maximal length of a datum (composite as well as elementary) encoded using SDXF is 16777215 bytes (one less than 16 MB).
The word "exchange" in the name reflects another kind of transparency: the SDXF functions provide a computer architecture independent conversion of the data.
Serializations can be exchanged among computers (via direct network, file transfer or CD) without further measures.
The SDXF functions on the receiving side handle architectural adaptation.
is given a unique number out in the range 1 to 65535 (2 byte unsigned binary integer without sign).