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Astrophysics Source Code Library: Free Registry of Research Codes

Comprehensive registry and repository for astrophysics research codes

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

The Astrophysics Source Code Library (ASCL) is a free online repository that catalogs and provides access to source codes used in astrophysics research, facilitating code discoverability and citation.

Why it matters: ASCL improves reproducibility and transparency in astrophysics by making research codes easily accessible and citable.

The big picture: ASCL has been supporting the astrophysics community since 1999, now indexed by major databases like NASA ADS and Web of Science.

Quick takeaway: The library features recent additions such as tools for atmospheric retrieval of exoplanets, UV spectral fitting, and gravitational wave signal computation.

Commenters say: Users appreciate the centralized access to specialized astronomy codes and highlight its role in promoting open science and collaboration.