Paper 13101-94
Paper 13101-94
Efforts to improve software maintainability at ASTRON
On demand | Presented live 18 June 2024 
Abstract
Software maintainability is a crucial aspect of software engineering, especially within research institutes with research infrastructure where software's longevity and adaptability directly impact scientific endeavors’ success. ASTRON, the Institute for Radio Astronomy in the Netherlands, has faced significant challenges in the past and present regarding the maintainability of its software. Previously, a rather unstructured approach was made to improve the state of software at ASTRON. Recently, a more structured approach has been taken to improve the overall state of the software landscape by employing different strategies. Astron started to use GitLab as its version control system including CI. ASTRON has started to structurally employ modern-day IDEs with all the tools that support better software engineering. Contemporary development practices have been used, and management practices have been adapted to modern software development. Lastly, ASTRON is investing in a shared model of language when building software systems together.
Presenter
Tom Kamphuis
ASTRON (Netherlands)
Tom Kamphuis
Software Engineering Manager in Radio Astronomy
Bio:
Ing. Tom Kamphuis, blending software engineering and radio astronomy, leads Software Delivery at ASTRON. With an Engineering and Economics background, his work focuses on creating modern software engineering teams, notably to deliver LOFAR2.0 components like TMSS, the new proposal tool (LUDWIG), and tools like the ASTRON Data Explorer. Driving and facilitating software engineering automation at ASTRON, Tom accelerates discovery through robust software engineering practices by introducing and expanding on automation like CI/CD pipelines, test automation, lining, and other quality measurements.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tom finds joy in being a dedicated father of three daughters. His passion extends to the race track, where he's not just navigating data but also thrilling bike races as an avid bike racing enthusiast.