Best Practices for a Future Open Code Policy: Experiences and Vision of the Astrophysics Source Code Library

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and impact of the Astrophysics Source Code Library, emphasizing best practices for open research software sharing and its role in advancing astrophysics research.

Contribution

It presents the experiences and future vision of the ASCL in promoting open code policies and improving software discoverability in astrophysics.

Findings

Over 1,600 codes registered as of now

Average of 200+ codes added annually

Successful advocacy for open research software

Abstract

We are members of the Astrophysics Source Code Library's Advisory Committee and its editor-in-chief. The Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL, ascl.net) is a successful initiative that advocates for open research software and provides an infrastructure for registering, discovering, sharing, and citing this software. Started in 1999, the ASCL has been expanding in recent years, with an average of over 200 codes added each year, and now houses over 1,600 code entries.