New functions for RADAR4Chem

With the current software, the development team is introducing a new, alternative function for creating data packages as a beta version: the import of GitHub repositories.

In addition, the new software offers support for Markdown formatting in the “Description” metadata field and a new RADAR REST API endpoint for statistics.

GitHub is one of the most popular platforms for version control, collaboration and the publication of software. Research projects often store codes, data and documentation there. With the new import function, this content can now be integrated directly into RADAR4Chem with just a few clicks – manual uploading is no longer necessary. The GitHub import is therefore particularly suitable for projects that are based on continuous software development or where data is generated and managed with software support.

The integration of GitHub in RADAR4Chem allows DOIs to be assigned for specific versions of a GitHub repository. This makes software versions and projects clearly citable and allows them to be linked to other digital resources or research data. Storage and publication in RADAR4Chem also ensures the long-term availability of content, which is not guaranteed by GitHub alone.

RADAR4Chem supports the import from both public and private GitHub repositories. A token must be entered for the latter. Both the standard branch and a customised branch can be imported.

Restrictions in the beta version: The new GitHub import function is currently in the beta phase. Some functions are not yet supported. Known so far are:

The team is actively working on further improving the GitHub import.

Activation of the GitHub import for your RADAR4Chem workspace:

The use of the GitHub import must be activated by FIZ Karlsruhe at workspace level. After activation, the additional table tab “GitHub repository BETA” is available to create data packages.

Would you like to use the new function? – Contact the RADAR4Chem team. Feedback is expressly welcome.

RADAR4Chem now allows the metadata field “Description” to be labelled with Markdown formatting. Researchers can use this to structure texts in an appealing way and insert headings, highlights or lists, for example, in order to present their datasets on the RADAR4Chem landing page in an even clearer and more informative way.

Data users can activate the display of Markdown formatting on the landing page using the “Show Markdown” function and deactivate it using “Hide Markdown”.

A new endpoint has been added to the RADAR REST API. This makes it possible to retrieve the number of page views and downloads of datasets in a targeted manner.

Dataset:

 If you have any questions about the software release or are interested in the new GitHub integration, please contact info@radar-service.eu