Incorporate your Software Management Plan
Whether you are writing an analysis script, computational workflow or a standalone tool, there are a few general questions that should be considered and discussed when you are planning your project (and updated during your research):
● Purpose: What is the current reason or expected end-use for developing the software?
● Reliability: The effect of software failure and/or non-maintenance on (e.g., risk of harm, reputation damage, etc)
● Maintenance: The long-term effort (during or after project) needed to maintain the software as long as it might be used as a script, standalone tool or dependency.
The University is currently formulating more elaborate standardized Software Management Plans. Please reach out if you want to use an SMP to structure the development of your research software.