DataDesc

A framework for creating and sharing technical metadata for research software interfaces

authored by

Patrick Kuckertz, Jan Göpfert, Oliver Karras, David Neuroth, Julian Schönau, Rodrigo Pueblas, Stephan Ferenz, Felix Engel, Noah Pflugradt, Jann M. Weinand, Astrid Nieße, Sören Auer, Detlef Stolten

Abstract

The reuse of research software is central to research efficiency and academic exchange. The application of software enables researchers to reproduce, validate, and expand upon study findings. The analysis of open-source code aids in the comprehension, comparison, and integration of approaches. Often, however, no further use occurs because relevant software cannot be found or is incompatible with existing research processes. This results in repetitive software development, which impedes the advancement of individual researchers and entire research communities. In this article, the DataDesc (Data Description) framework is presented—an approach to describing data models of software interfaces with machine-actionable metadata. In addition to a specialized metadata schema, an exchange format and support tools for easy collection and the automated publishing of software documentation are introduced. This approach practically increases the FAIRness, i.e., findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability, of research software as well as effectively promotes its impact on research.

Organisation(s)

L3S Research Centre

External Organisation(s)

Forschungszentrum Jülich
RWTH Aachen University
German National Library of Science and Technology (TIB)
Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg

Type

Article

Journal

Patterns

Volume

5

Publication date

08.11.2024

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Decision Sciences

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patter.2024.101064 (Access: Open)