Astrophysics Source Code Library:
FAQ

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Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL.net)
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) List

Q1: Can I use the codes in ASCL.net?
A1: All ASCL.net codes have been cleared for free non-commercial use by anyone. Many ASCL.net codes, however, are copyrighted by the submitting authors, or their representative(s). Therefore, to use ASCL.net codes commercially requires the explicit permission from the copyright owner(s). To locate them, please write to the code's lead author. No ASCL.net code is guaranteed to be correct or accurate, however. Use ASCL.net codes at your own risk. All liability for any aspect of ASCL.net codes or results generated by these codes rests solely on the shoulders of the code users.

Q2: How do I submit my code(s) to ASCL.net?
A2: You need to submit at least three items by email to ascl@mtu.edu.

First, download the Submission Template page and, using any text editor, change this page to reflect the specifics of you and the code(s) you wish to submit. Help in filling out this page can be found on the Submission Instructions page. After complete, email this page back to us.

Next, email us your source code(s) in ASCII format. You can email each code and subprogram separately, concatenated them all in a single file, or tar them into a single file. Please don't compress, zip, or gzip your files.

Last, please send us an email briefly describing what you have submitted, and granting us permission to archive this code in ASCL.net. By granting this permission, you also grant permission for ANYONE to download your code and use it for non-commercial purposes. Please note that if you do not own the copyright on the ENTIRE code, then you must have all copyright owners email us granting ASCL.net this permission. These emails must originate from the copyright owners themselves. To the best of our knowledge, it is illegal for anyone to imply ownership over even a portion of something that somebody else created.

Q3: Doesn't ASCL.net hurt astrophysics by allowing people to run codes they know little about, creating a veritable torrent of incorrect and/or poorly understood results?
A3: This is why ASCL.net codes must be either published in a refereed journal, or submitted to one. To publish incorrect and/or poorly understood results in a respectable journal would require that these results be refereed. Hopefully, the established review process of reputable refereed journals will continue to stem any torrent of inaccurate results, regardless of the source. Codes generating papers not eventually accepted to a refereed journal will not be evicted from ASCL.net, but ultimately no journal reference will appear on their archive page.

Q4: Can I submit astronomy code(s) to ASCL.net?
A4: Yes.

Q5: Can I submit my math code(s) to ASCL.net?
A5: In two cases:
1. If the math code is specifically oriented toward astronomy and/or astrophysics; 2. if the math code is yours and is a necessary subprogram to your main ASCL.net submitted code.

Q6: My programs call IMSL subroutines. Should I submit them as well?
A6: Canned commercial subroutines should not be submitted. Another example is the routines published in Numerical Recipes. Please point them out when you email your edited Submission Template page to ASCL.net. This will alert other astrophysicists will be aware that they need them to run your main program.

Q7: I have updated my ASCL.net-archived program. What should I do?
A7: If your update has enabled you to publish a new paper in a refereed journal, if your update is a significant change from the previous version, and if your update supersedes your previous program, please submit your new code as a revised version of your old code. The submission process is the same as with a new code, except you should now also email us a revised version history page. The new version will then replace the old version as the active link. Astrophysicists interested in outdated, replaced versions will be asked to email the code authors.

Q8: I found a mistake in my ASCL.net-archived program. What should I do?
A8: Do not despair, everyone is human. Uncovering mistakes is one of the main purposes of ASCL.net. Please note changes in the codes in a revised version history page you email to us. Also please remember to email to us the revised code(s).

Q9: I found a mistake in somebody else's ASCL.net-archived program. What should I do?
A9: Please email the code authors. Their email addresses can be found on the ASCL.net archive page for that code.

Q10: Who runs ASCL.net?
A10: The founding editors of ASCL are Robert J. Nemiroff (Michigan Tech) and John F. Wallin (George Mason). A current list of editors can always be found on the ASCL.net editor's page.

Q11: Who pays the operating expenses of ASCL.net?
A11: Currently, ASCL.net is run on a volunteer basis in the "spare time" of the editors on existing equipment.