The ncgen utility can do the following with CDL input:

• Reverse what ncdump does, converting CDL to binary netCDF
• Generate a C or Fortran program that, when compiled and run, will create a netCDF file corresponding to the CDL

You can use ncdump and ncgen together for some simple netCDF editing:

• Use ncdump to convert netCDF file to CDL
• Use a text editor to change CDL (for example add, fix, or delete metadata or data)
• Use ncgen to turn modified CDL back into modified netCDF file
• This is not very practical for large netCDF files

The Java tool toolsUI available with the netCDF Java package can similarly be used to convert back and forth between netCDF data and editable NcML.

2007 Unidata NetCDF Workshop for Developers and Data Providers > NetCDF Utilities