Libraries for HEP Computing - LHC++

Last update - 27th November 1998.

About LHC++

The following has been extracted from US-CMS Participation in Common Software and Computing Projects, presented to the November 1998 DOE review of ATLAS and CMS computing

The LHC++ project aims to replace the current CERNLIB software libraries with a suite of OO software with roughly equivalent functionality.

The scope of the project covers the following:

foundation level class libraries,
mathematical libraries,
graphical libraries,
visualisation toolkits,
data analysis,
histograms,
event generators (in collaboration with, e.g., Lund),
detector simulation (GEANT4 via RD44 at present),
object persistency ( Objectivity/DB via RD45 at present).

The primary focus is on C++ solutions, although recent developments in software, such as Java-based applications, are also closely monitored.

The strategy of LHC++ is to identify the HEP needs in these areas and to provide solutions broadly applicable to experiments.

The solutions adopted by LHC++ are preferably based on commercial software where appropriate and affordable. Where this is not possible, LHC++ coordinates their provision by members of the HEP community.

The use of standard commodity solutions leverages off the vast amount of highly reliable and well-documented software that is available, and enables HEP's effort to be concentrated on HEP-specific problems. It also facilitates the migration to new technologies which will be necessary to support the long life-cycle of the LHC experiments.

Potential risks from vendor failure or problems due to incompatibilities between the various commercial components are minimised by selecting mutually compatible industry standard solutions where possible, by minimising the number of commercial suppliers and by developing close working relationships between the HEP participants and companies.

Last update by CERN Program Library