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

Patterns, vol. 5, pp. 101064

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.

Authors 12

1. Patrick Kuckertz corresponding

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

2. Jan Göpfert Aachen Chair for Fuel Cells Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

   RWTH Aachen University, Chair for Fuel Cells, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 52062 Aachen, Germany

3. Oliver Karras

   Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB)

   Affiliation as printed

   TIB - Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology, 30167 Hanover, Germany

4. David Neuroth

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

5. Julian Schönau

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

6. Rodrigo Pueblas

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

7. Stephan Ferenz

   Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

   Affiliation as printed

   Department for Computer Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany

8. Noah Pflugradt

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

9. Jann Michael Weinand

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

10. Astrid Nieße

    Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

    Affiliation as printed

    Department for Computer Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany

11. Sören Auer

    Leibniz University Hannover · Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) · L3S Research Center

    Affiliation as printed

    L3S Research Center, University of Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany

    TIB - Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology, 30167 Hanover, Germany

12. Detlef Stolten Aachen Chair for Fuel Cells Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

    Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University

    Affiliation as printed

    Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institute of Climate and Energy Systems (ICE) - Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), 52425 Jülich, Germany

    RWTH Aachen University, Chair for Fuel Cells, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, 52062 Aachen, Germany