How to build an interface to my data?

[atoasttoall]

I've long been planning to create an interface which provides an overview of my data. I'm not sure how to get started so I'm looking for advice.

I'm a numerical relativist and I do a lot of simulations. I organize these by running in directories which I label by date. These directories contain the input files that setup the run and the output that results.

The code that we use is in an svn repository and that seems to work pretty well. It's the input files that are the problem. I don't think svn is the right approach for dealing with them. They tend to branch a lot, but rarely merge.

I'd love to have an interface that gave me an overview of the runs I've done and the lineage of the input files for each run. It's hard to imagine that I'm the first numerical physicist to have this problem so there must be projects out there that deal with this, but I don't know where to look. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
atoasttoall

 

[mathmate]

If you are a numerical relativist, you would certainly know how to programme.
You can take a look at the language Perl, or
PERL - Practical Extraction and Report Language
if your data are in ASCII format, Perl can do a lot for you.

 

[quicknote]

I completely understand the importance of organizing and visualizing data in a way that is easy to access and understand. Building an interface for your data can greatly improve your efficiency and productivity in your research. Here are some suggestions on how to get started:

1. Identify the purpose of your interface: Before diving into the technical details, it is important to have a clear understanding of what you want your interface to achieve. Do you want to simply view an overview of your data or do you also want to be able to manipulate and analyze it? This will help guide your design decisions.

2. Determine the data sources: In your case, it seems like your data is stored in multiple directories and input files. You will need to identify all the sources of your data and how they are related to each other. This will help you determine the structure and organization of your interface.

3. Choose a platform: There are many tools and platforms available for building interfaces for data. Depending on your programming skills and preferences, you can choose from a variety of options such as web-based interfaces, desktop applications, or even mobile apps. Some popular options for scientific data include Python, MATLAB, and R.

4. Utilize version control: As you mentioned, using svn for your code has been successful, but it may not be the best approach for your input files. Consider using a different version control system specifically designed for data such as Git-LFS or Data Version Control (DVC). These tools allow for easier tracking and management of changes to your data files.

5. Look for existing projects: As you mentioned, there may already be projects out there that deal with similar problems. Take some time to research and see if any existing solutions meet your needs. You can also reach out to other numerical physicists or researchers in your field to see how they manage and visualize their data.

6. Consider collaborating: Building an interface for your data can be a complex task. Consider collaborating with other scientists or programmers who have experience in this area. This can help you save time and also bring fresh perspectives to your project.

I hope these suggestions help you get started on building your interface. Remember to keep your end goal in mind and don't be afraid to seek help and collaborate with others. Best of luck!