Introduction

The Asterix FITS interface is the major new feature of a program of work making the Asterix data interface more flexible. Some of the other highlights of this work which will not be discussed further in this note, include,

• A greatly simplified programming interface -- all the important routines fit on one side of A4 (in a modest sized typeface).
• A decoupling of the file interface from ADAM. Programs can be written stand-alone rather than as A-tasks if required.
• Improved compatibility between Asterix and other Starlink software using the NDF.