LCG Applications Area Workbook

Getting Started

Takes the user through proedures for getting a computer account and for ordering and installing computing equipment at CERN.

Getting started at CERN

Getting an Account and Logging In

• Getting an Account
• Checking your account exists
• Connecting to LXPLUS from your linux desktop computer
• Connecting to LXPLUS from your Windows desktop computer

Procurement and installation of computing material

• Ordering Equipment
• Installation procedure for a new machine at the user's workplace
• Procedure to request the move of a computer from one room/desk to another
• Procedure to request re-installation of the OS on a computer
• Procedure for requesting the repair of computer equipment

Developing Software

This section covers the basic tasks without going into design issues.

Edit, Compile, Link and Run

• Editing, compiling and running code on Unix
• Editing, compiling and running code on Windows

Storing, Printing and Other Common Activities

• Storing your files safely
• Printing your files
• Accessing your emails

Debugging Applications

Watching the code execute, and basic problem solving.

• Introduction
• Compile options for Debugging
• Command Line debugger: gdb
• GUI debugger: ddd

Setting up your software project

• Software Tools and Packages available
• A bug tracker for your application
• How to get a CVS repository: the CERN CVS Certral Service
• AFS central files system?
• Setting up XWindows?

The CERN central computing services

• CERN Computing Rules
• Linux Central Services
• Windows Central Services
• Mail Services

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Ideas for further sections

• Getting started with the LCG environment

Programming languages and common packages

• C++
• Python
• XML

• Boost, Root, Clhep,...

Developing C++ Applications (TO BE DONE)

Using an OO design approach to make proper use of C++.

• OO Courses and References
• LCG C++ Coding Conventions
• External Class Libraries
• Warning and Error Messages
• Code Wizard: a Tool for Checking Coding Style
• Valgrind: a Tool for Finding Memory Leaks
• Insure++: a Tool for Checking for Memory Misuse

Testing Software Applications

Testing Frameworks

• CppUnit, PyUnit, Oval, QMtest
• Valgring, callgrind, kchachegrind

Procedures for Testing (ON THE WAY)

• Introduction
• Types of Testing
• Test Cases

Documentation

Documentation Templates (ON THE WAY)

Templates for the documents needed in software development

• Task lists, project documents
• Use cases, user requirements
• Work plans and reports

Documentation Tools (TO BE DONE)

Procedures and tools for creating documentation

• Introduction
• Use of Doxygen - simple example
• External Class Libraries

Configuring your hardware

Configuring your computer

• Security Recommendations
• Registering your portable computer
• Installing a computer at CERN

Useful Links

• PH-SFT group Web Site
• LCH Applications Area Web Site
• SPI Workbook

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-- AlbertoAimar - 31 Aug 2005