title: Format of compiled directx9 shader files?
body: <p>Is the format of compiled pixel and vertex shader object files as produced by fxc.exe documented anywhere either officially or unofficially?</p>
  
  <p>I'd like to be able to read the constant name to register assignments from the shader files. I know that the effects framework in D3DX can do this, but I need to avoid using D3DX as it may not be installed on user's machines and I don't need it for anything else so I want to avoid them having to run the directx update.</p>
  
  <p>If the effects framework can do it, then so can I if I can find out the file format but I can' seem to find it documented anywhere.</p>
  
  <p>(this is for use in directx9)</p>