Looking at binary files / hex editors

[Julolidine]

So I have a binary file which is pretty much a header followed by a bunch of data. The problem is that I don't know how long the header is so I can strip the data from it. I know I need a hex editor, but what should I be looking for?

Edit: I guess that wasn't very clear. What can I pay attention to that differentiates the header from the rest of the file?

Also, out of the billion hex editors available, is there one that anyone recommends in particular?

[pmasiar]

midnight commander is your trusted swiss sysadmin knife :-) Has hex editor too, of course. And many more goodies. mc to the rescue! :-)

[chenxing]

I also want to know if there is a better binary file editor in linux. It seems that hexedit is not powerful enough for me.

[LaRoza]

I use http://mh-nexus.de/hxd/, it is a Windows program, but runs in Wine, although some features won't work.

[NathanB]

So I have a binary file which is pretty much a header followed by a bunch of data. The problem is that I don't know how long the header is so I can strip the data from it. I know I need a hex editor, but what should I be looking for?

First, identify the 'type' of binary file that you have. Second, go here...
http://www.wotsit.org/
...to discover the format of that file -- then you will know exactly what to look for.


Edit: I guess that wasn't very clear. What can I pay attention to that differentiates the header from the rest of the file?

This will, obviously, depend on the 'type' of file that it is.