> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.magtek.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.magtek.com/api-and-command-reference/preliminary-documentation-scra-dynafamily-programmers-manual/preliminary-documentation-message-format-and-structure.md).
# (Preliminary Documentation) Message Format & Structure
## Message Format & Structure
The host and the device communicate with each other by exchanging blocks of data called messages, which are standardized wrappers containing a payload. This section will detail everything you need to know about using messages.
{% hint style="success" %}
Applies to: All DynaFamily products
{% endhint %}
### Information in this group
| **Section** | **Information** |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [**About Messages**](/api-and-command-reference/dynafamily-programmers-manual/message-format-and-structure/about-messages.md) | The basics on messages, what they are, and how they work. |
| [**Message Format**](/api-and-command-reference/dynafamily-programmers-manual/message-format-and-structure/message-format.md) | Learn about the TLV encoding that make messages work. |
| [**Message Structure**](/api-and-command-reference/dynafamily-programmers-manual/message-format-and-structure/message-structure.md) | .Each message type follows a specific structure described in this section. |
### Need More Help
{% hint style="info" %}
**Need Help?**
For additional support, please contact MagTek Support:
**Technical Support:**
* 📧 **Email:** [support@magtek.com](mailto:support@magtek.com?subject=Support%20Request)
* 📞 **Phone:** 1-562-546-6800 (US)
* 🕐 **Hours:** Monday-Friday, 5:30 AM - 5:00 PM PST
**Online Resources:**
* 🌐 **Support Portal:** developer.magtek.com
**Documentation Feedback:**
Help us improve this documentation! [feedback@magtek.com](mailto:feedback@magtek.com?subject=Feedback)
{% endhint %}
---
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