The software development process at the Chandra X-ray Center

Janet D. Evans; Ian N. Evans; Giuseppina Fabbiano

doi:10.1117/12.790524

14 July 2008 The software development process at the Chandra X-ray Center

Janet D. Evans, Ian N. Evans, Giuseppina Fabbiano

Proceedings Volume 7019, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy II; 701917 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790524
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

Software development for the Chandra X-ray Center Data System began in the mid 1990's, and the waterfall model of development was mandated by our documents. Although we initially tried this approach, we found that a process with elements of the spiral model worked better in our science-based environment. High-level science requirements are usually established by scientists, and provided to the software development group. We follow with review and refinement of those requirements prior to the design phase. Design reviews are conducted for substantial projects within the development team, and include scientists whenever appropriate. Development follows agreed upon schedules that include several internal releases of the task before completion. Feedback from science testing early in the process helps to identify and resolve misunderstandings present in the detailed requirements, and allows review of intangible requirements. The development process includes specific testing of requirements, developer and user documentation, and support after deployment to operations or to users. We discuss the process we follow at the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) to develop software and support operations. We review the role of the science and development staff from conception to release of software, and some lessons learned from managing CXC software development for over a decade.

Citation Download Citation

Janet D. Evans, Ian N. Evans, and Giuseppina Fabbiano "The software development process at the Chandra X-ray Center", Proc. SPIE 7019, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy II, 701917 (14 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790524

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available