SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

There are three basic recommendations for software developers or maintainers of primary code repositories. The intent of these recommendations are to provide an unambiguous mechanism to signal to the user base that the software you are providing is intended to be cited and that there is no room for interpretation for your citation and software license.

  1. Create a persistent web identifier (such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI)) for your software so that it can be appropriately traced, tracked, cited and maintained.

  2. Provide clear acknowledgement instructions and place this language in the appropriate files and webpages.

  3. Provide a license with your software so end users understand the terms, conditions and intent of your software.