Casacore Table Data System and its use in the MeasurementSet

The Casacore Table Data System (CTDS) has been developed as part of the CASA (formerly AIPS++) package for (radio-)astronomical data processing. It offers a relational-like data model extended by the ability to store large arrays. A versatile query language can be used for data queries and manipulation. CTDS forms the basis of the MeasurementSet, the primary data format used for the data acquisition and data processing at various radio telescopes (e.g., WSRT, LOFAR, ASKAP, JVLA, ALMA). This paper discusses the most important features of CTDS, its performance, and how it is used. Also comparisons with other data formats are made.