January 6, 2015
Corresponding author: Janna Hastings hastings@ebi.ac.uk
Cheminformatics and Metabolism, European Molecular Biology Laboratory – European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, CB10 1SD Hinxton, UK
GigaScience 2014, 3:31 doi:10.1186/2047-217X-3-31
Abstract
Research in the context of data-driven science requires a backbone of well-written software, but scientific researchers are typically not trained at length in software engineering, the principles for creating better software products. To address this gap, in particular for young researchers new to programming, we give ten recommendations to ensure the usability, sustainability and practicality of research software.
Recommendations
- Keep it simple
- Test, test, test
- Do not repeat yourself
- Use a modular design
- Involve your users
- Resist gold plating
- Document everything
- Avoid spaghetti
- Optimize last
- Evolution, not revolution
The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.gigasciencejournal.com/content/3/1/31
Image source: Computer Science Field Guide Beta, University of Canterbury
