2006-09-13: Data Adapter by Python script

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Data access wrappers are the links between the distributed heterogeneous data and the homogeneous multidimensional data model of DataFed. Initailly rach wrapper was hand crafted. Next we developed wrapper classes (e.g.: MapImage, SQL, PointFixedUrlTemplateEPA) which allowed some code reuse. Still, these warappers were coded into the DataFed 'framework' and requiered the tools (.Net, C#) and skills of Kari to implement every new wrapper. Not a very scalable solution in the long run.

Following some very favorable experineces with Python, Kari has tested the use of Python scripts as the glue language for the wrapper code. Some of the benefits of scripting:

• additional flexibility to make special wrappers
• no need to modify the framwork
• savvy data users (with some py experience can impelement wrappers
• thus, more data can/will be federated and used

An example wrapper code is for the TOMS_AI dataset. Sunil will update the progress on this topic.