Software engineering tools and approaches for neuroinformatics: the design and implementation of the View-Primitive Data Model framework (VPDMf)

Abstract We describe a software-engineering strategy called the ‘View-Primitive Data Model framework’ (or ‘VPDMf’) derived from the design of leading commercial software-engineering tools. We describe a prototypical implementation of the strategy and its use within neuroinformatics. We present the argument that the only way to fulfill on demands for reliable, easy-to-use software by non-computational communities of neuroscientists is for developers within neuroinformatics to adopt and contribute to approaches such the VPDMf under the open-source paradigm. We present the VPDMf as one such development opportunity.