Preparing Reproducible Scientific Artifacts using Docker

TL;DR

This paper presents a methodology using Docker to create reproducible scientific artifacts, enhancing transparency and validation in empirical research, particularly in computer science.

Contribution

It introduces a Docker-based approach for preparing reproducible research artifacts, facilitating easier sharing and validation of scientific results.

Findings

Docker simplifies artifact reproducibility

Methodology improves transparency in empirical research

Applicable to various technology disciplines

Abstract

The pursuit of scientific knowledge strongly depends on the ability to reproduce and validate research results. It is a well-known fact that the scientific community faces challenges related to transparency, reliability, and the reproducibility of empirical published results. Consequently, the design and preparation of reproducible artifacts has a fundamental role in the development of science. Reproducible artifacts comprise comprehensive documentation, data, and code that enable replication and validation of research findings by others. In this work, we discuss a methodology to construct reproducible artifacts based on Docker. Our presentation centers around the preparation of an artifact to be submitted to scientific venues that encourage or require this process. This report's primary audience are scientists working with empirical computer science; however, we believe that the presented methodology can be extended to other technology-oriented empirical disciplines.