CTR-SDK Glossary

Introduction

This document explains the special terminology used by the CTR-SDK.

The meanings and usage of terms used in this document and the CTR-SDK may differ from their general meanings and usage.

Terminology

Basics

CTR

The development code name for the Nintendo 3DS. This is the primary abbreviation used through the CTR-SDK for the Nintendo 3DS.

Card

Media used to distribute applications for the Nintendo 3DS.

3D depth slider

An input interface used to adjust the stereoscopic display on the upper screen to suit individual preference.

Programs

Programs

Software that can be run on a CTR system.

Application

Of a set of programs, this is the main one that is executed.

Card-based applications

Applications that are intended to be distributed on cards.

Downloadable applications

Applications that are intended to be distributed from the Nintendo eShop over the Internet.

Imported applications

Applications that are intended to be imported to SD Cards, System Memory, or other locations before they are run.

SD applications

Applications that are intended to be imported onto SD Cards. These represent one type of imported application.

Applets

Programs that can be run without closing the application.

Library Applets

Applets that are launched from other programs and are handled as a part of said programs.

System Settings

The application that handles the various CTR settings.

HOME Menu

A launcher program that starts applications and is displayed immediately after a CTR system is turned on.

Download Play child

An application that is distributed from a parent application and run on another CTR system during Download Play.

Nintendo eShop

The application from which the user purchases licenses for downloadable applications and downloads such applications over the Internet.

Test Menu

A simple launcher used in place of the HOME Menu for application debugging.

File Format

CCI

The format of the final ROM image for CTR card-based software. Also the extension of said file. This file format includes a CXI file and a CFA file.

CCL

A file including information used to load the elements of a ROM image for CTR card-based software in a debugger. This can only be used for debugging in a debugger. This format is intended to speed up load times by only reading the updated parts of an image after it has been loaded once.

CIA

The format of the final ROM image for CTR import applications. Also the extension of said file. This file format includes a CXI file and a CFA file.

CFA

A binary format handled as a data container on CTR systems. Also the extension of said file.

CXI

An executable image format for CTR systems. Also the extension of said file.

ROM Image

A single unit of software components to be distributed.

RSF

A text file describing parameters used to create a CXI file. Also the extension of said file. One of these must be created per each program.

DESC

A file describing parameters used to create a CXI file. Also the extension of said file. You must use the file(s) provided with the SDK.

BSF

A text file describing parameters used to create a banner. Also the extension of said file.

AXF

The executable code for an ELF program generated by a linker. Also the extension of said file.

LR file

A ROM image file that mainly consists of the ROM-FS portion. This is accessed by CCL files. This does not need to be updated or reloaded when only the AXF changes.

LE file

A ROM image file that mainly consists of data other than the ROM-FS portion. This is accessed by CCL files. When only the AXF changes, only this file needs updating.

ELF

A general file format for storing debugging information and executable code generated by a compiler.

Static library

A single file that combines multiple object files. This is linked with object files to create the final AXF file.

Object file

A file generated when source code is compiled. It uses the ELF format and contains executable code and debugging information.

Features

UDS Communication

A wireless communication protocol between CTR systems. This corresponds to MP communication in the TWL-SDK.

BOSS

SpotPass. This is also the name of the SpotPass API.

CEC

StreetPass. This is also the name of the StreetPass API.

HostIO

A feature for communication between a CTR system and a connected Windows PC.

ULCD

The name used for a group of functions that apply input from the 3D depth slider to the stereoscopic display.

Download Play

A feature for distributing an application's Download Play child to other CTR systems wirelessly and then executing it. This can also refer to client applications that are distributed in this manner.

SpotPass

A feature for receiving data that is automatically or explicitly communicated via an access point connected to the Internet.

StreetPass

A feature for automatically exchanging data with other nearby CTR systems.

Other

Banners

The 3D model that is displayed on the upper screen and the sound that is played back when an application's icon is selected on the HOME Menu.

Icons

Images that are displayed on the lower screen at the HOME Menu and in other locations to identify applications.

Import

The act of placing a program on an SD Card, in System Memory, or elsewhere.

Title code

A 32-bit number used to identify a program. This includes a 20-bit unique ID. Each program must use a unique title code.

Unique ID

A 20-bit number issued for each title. Programs belonging to the same title must use the same unique ID.

Title

A single product. Alternately, the programs that comprise or are related to that product. If an application provides Download Play, the combination of the application itself plus its Download Play child represent a single complete title.

Remaster version

Numerical value for identifying the version of the program.
Set in RSF.

E-manual

A manual that can be accessed from a CTR system's screens. Alternately, the data contained therein. This can be included in CCI or CIA files. When you select a title with an e-manual on the HOME Menu, the Manual button is displayed.

Executable code

Both the machine language generated by a compiler and the data that it directly accesses.

Heap

One kind of memory region allocated to an application. Data accessed by system processes can be placed in this region.

Device Memory

One kind of memory region allocated to an application. Data accessed by the graphics processor, DSP, and other non-CPU devices is placed in this region.

CTR-06-0199-002-F
CONFIDENTIAL