Software Development
As already stated, we must retain the capability to use existing software. STAF and its support for table-based PAMs coded in Fortran, C, C++ will be retained.
But it is equally important to incorporate beneficial and widely accepted new techniques and technologies
- Utility of dominant C++/OO approach demonstrated in HENP (Geant4, BaBar, LHC++, ROOT,…)
- OO/C++ provides enforced modularity and well-defined interfaces, easing of distributed development, efficient and maintainable code
- Leverages industry and gives students useful training
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We will support an OO model for new code together with support for existing code
Some concern expressed over starting another software revolution like TAS?STAF. We can’t afford this, and it isn’t contemplated. We need to stay with STAF, preserve its support for existing code, and build on it. Happily, this is what it is designed for.