Dataset File Format (.airpds) & Local Authoring

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Overview of .airpds Dataset Files

In Aircada local project workspaces, datasets are authored as .airpds JSON files inside the datasets/ directory (e.g. datasets/materials.airpds). The CLI DevServer (aircada dev) watches this directory and synchronizes changes live with Aircada Studio and Engine.

File Schema Structure

An .airpds file consists of two top-level sections:

1. datasetInfo: Metadata containing the dataset id, displayName, schema fields, and usage settings.

2. items: Array of data row items containing unique id and column values matching the schema.

{

  "id": "matdataset777",

  "datasetInfo": {

    "id": "matdataset777",

    "displayName": "Material Finishes",

    "format": "AIRPDS",

    "dataCount": 2,

    "usage": {

      "isOriginalCopy": false,

      "isShared": false

    },

    "schema": {

      "fields": [

        { "name": "id", "systemType": "STRING", "specialType": "ROW_ID" },

        { "name": "name", "systemType": "STRING" },

        { "name": "costOffset", "systemType": "FLOAT" }

      ]

    },

    "updatedAt": 1785289900000

  },

  "items": [

    {

      "id": "mat1",

      "values": { "id": "mat1", "name": "Matte Plastic", "costOffset": 0.0 }

    },

    {

      "id": "mat2",

      "values": { "id": "mat2", "name": "Brushed Aluminum", "costOffset": 15.5 }

    }

  ]

}

Valid systemType Schema Definitions

When defining schema fields in .airpds files, valid systemType string values are:

- STRING: Text values or identifiers.

- FLOAT: Floating-point numbers (prices, offsets, dimensions).

- INTEGER: Whole numbers (counts, stock quantities).

- COLOR: Hex color codes (e.g. #FF0000).

- MEDIA_ITEM: Asset reference IDs.

> [!WARNING]

> Important for AI Agents: The string "NUMBER" is NOT a valid systemType. Numeric fields must be specified as "FLOAT" or "INTEGER".