Better Practices and CSF Standards

About this project

This project will establish a co-design approach for the Community Software Facility (CSF) to develop a set of high-level, better software standards that we will recommend for projects within NSF NCAR.

The following user experience considerations will guide the development of better practices and the code review process:

• Accessibility of documentation: Ensure all standards, practices, and review findings are written in clear, plain language accessible to developers at all experience levels.
• Iterative feedback loops: Provide mechanisms for project teams to give feedback on the standards as they are applied in real-world contexts (e.g. CISM review).
• Co-design participation: Actively involve project contributors and stakeholders in shaping the standards rather than imposing top-down requirements.
• Transparency: Publish standards, review criteria, and audit outcomes openly so teams can anticipate and prepare for reviews.
• Psychological safety: Approach code audits as collaborative learning opportunities, not evaluations, to encourage openness and honest discussion.

Why this work is important

This project unifies how NSF NCAR develops and supports community models and tools, building a one‑NCAR culture of software excellence that accelerates scientific discovery. Establishing clear standards will make it easier for software developers to move between teams by reducing spin-up time. Having clear expectations also allows our community collaborators to have a better experience contributing to our community models.

How does this fit within the CSF

This project defines the recommended Better Practices that the organization will be suggested to follow.

NSF NCAR Labs involved in this project

CISL
RAL
CGD
MMM
ACOM
HAO
EOL

External partners

We will survey external partners and use the information to guide our recommendations.