CASA 6: Modular Integration in Python

TL;DR

CASA 6 introduces a modular architecture for the CASA software, enabling easier integration into Python workflows and facilitating the transition from Python 2 to 3 for radio astronomy data processing.

Contribution

It presents a new modular design for CASA 6, allowing flexible integration and standard pip installation, improving usability and maintainability.

Findings

Modular architecture enhances integration with Python workflows.

Transition to Python 3 improves compatibility and future support.

Facilitates easier installation via pip packages.

Abstract

CASA, the Common Astronomy Software Applications, is the primary data processing software for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), and is often used also for other radio telescopes. CASA has always been distributed as a single, integrated application, including a Python interpreter and all the libraries, packages and modules. As part of the ongoing development of CASA 6, and the switch from Python 2 to 3, CASA will provide greater flexibility for users to integrate CASA into existing Python workflows by using a modular architecture and standard pip wheel installation. These proceedings of the 2019 Astronomical Data Analysis Software & Systems (ADASS) conference will give an overview of the CASA 6 project.