DDL files provide the database attributes defined on StarView screens. A formal configuration management procedure has been established to control modifications to the database. There are three versions of the keyword database active at any one time. Development of new keywords and headers is performed in keyworddev. After development the new keywords enter a test phase and the contents of keyworddev are copied to keywordtst.
New development can continue in keyworddev as the previously developed keywords are tested.
After successfully completing the test phase keywordtst is copied into the operational keyword database. In addition to the three versions of the keyword database, the latest version of the OPUS load files derived from the keyword database are configured in a CMS software archive. Proposals to change a keyword or any keyword attribute are submitted to the KRT coordinator. Proposals have originated from a number of sources such as science instrument teams, software developers, system engineers, user support personnel, etc. Once the proposed changes are clearly documented, the proposal is forwarded to the rest of the KRT for consideration and evaluation of any impacts.