Algorithm

A summary of the algorithm to be used when creating a new dataset is given below. The numbering refers to expanded notes in the next subsection.

Define what the software is going to do and not going to do       1
Identify, in concept, the datasets required
Determine their interrelations, perhaps via a tree diagram       2
Start at the most deeply nested level of the hierarchy
for each structure
    Identify the data components       3
    if an existing standard structure can be used then
        Use it
        Place remaining associated items in a new structure or in an extension
    else
        Assign a unique HDS TYPE to the new structure       4
        Assign a NAME to each component       5
        Determine the rules and restrictions governing the way the data will be stored in the various components
        Assign a TYPE to each component       6
        Identify the sorts of operation to be performed on the structure and ensure they are meaningfully defined       7
        if the processing of a component cannot be defined in some cases then remove the component from the structure
        Implement and document the software needed to process the new structure       8
        if the new structure is to become a standard type then
            Submit it and its software to Starlink for approval       9
        endif
    endif
endfor