  A new set of software applications and libraries for use in the archival and
analysis of pulsar astronomical data is introduced. Known collectively as the
PSRCHIVE scheme, the code was developed in parallel with a new data storage
format called PSRFITS, which is based on the Flexible Image Transport System
(FITS). Both of these projects utilise a modular, object-oriented design
philosophy. PSRCHIVE is an open source development environment that
incorporates an extensive range of C++ object classes and pre-built command
line and graphical utilities. These deal transparently and simultaneously with
multiple data storage formats, thereby enhancing data portability and
facilitating the adoption of the PSRFITS file format. Here, data are stored in
a series of modular header-data units that provide flexibility and scope for
future expansion. As it is based on FITS, various standard libraries and
applications may be used for data input/output and visualisation. Both PSRCHIVE
and PSRFITS are made publicly available to the academic community in the hope
that this will promote their widespread use and acceptance.
