From greenlee@fnal.gov Mon Apr 12 14:31:15 2004
Date: Wed, 07 Apr 2004 19:37:18 -0500
From: Herbert Greenlee <greenlee@fnal.gov>
To: d0-conveners@fnal.gov
Cc: D0 Data Format Working Group <d0dfwg@fnal.gov>
Subject: Common root-based data format.

Hello Conveners,

As you know, the D0 Data Format Working Group has been formed to
review analysis data formats (tuples/trees) currently being used in D0,
and to propose and develop a common root-based format.  We are now in
the information gathering stage.  We are interested in your opinions.
We are asking you, the physics group conveners, to assist our group in
its efforts by answering the following questions.

As we currently envision it, a common root format would consist of a
centrally maintained set of tools (framework packages and executables) for
producing root files from thumbnails.  We also envision having a centrally
produced and managed set of root files produced from Common Sample Group
thumbnails, stored in sam and possibly pinned on disk.  Where and by whom
such common root files would be produced is net yet determined.  The
common root files should incorporate thumbnail fixes and certified object
corrections (d0correct).  Common root files would be offered to the
physics groups as an alternative format to thumbnails for doing analysis.

Thank you for giving this matter your thoughtful attention.  Please send
replies to d0dfwg@fnal.gov.

Here are the questions.

1.  What analysis data formats and analysis tools are members of your
group currently using?

2.  What analysis data formats or analysis tools does your group
recommend to its members?

3.  Do you encourage or discourage people to use tmb_tree?  Why or why
not?

4.  How does your physics group support the efforts of analyzers?
That is, does your group provide centrally managed data sets,
tuples/trees, or analysis tools?

5.  Would your group benefit from the availability of common, possibly
centrally produced root trees?  What requirements would a common root
format have to fulfill for your group to benefit?

6.  If tmb_tree were chosen as the basis for a common format, what
changes would be required to make it attractive to your group?

7.  Does your group develop algorithms in root?  Should algorithm
development in root be encouraged?  What is the best way to allow the
entire collaboration to benefit from algorithms developed in root?

8.  Is there any other information that you would like to bring to the
attention of the Data Format Working Group?

Regards,

The D0 Data Format Working Group