HDF has been around in some capacity in bioinformatics for at least 20 years. For instance the Bioconductor project had a package for it in the early aughts. Bu

HDF has been around in some capacity in bioinformatics for at least 20 years. For instance the Bioconductor project had a package for it in the early aughts. But as to why it never took off, I suspect the reasons you cite are correct.