How to be a Good Member of a Scientific Software Community [Article v1.0]

Abstract

Software is ubiquitous in modern science — almost any project, in almost any discipline, requires some code to work. However, many (or even most) scientists are not programmers, and must rely on programs written and maintained by others. A crucial but often neglected part of a scientist’s training is learning how to use new tools, and how to exist as part of a community of users. This article will discuss key behaviors that can make the experience quicker, more efficient, and more pleasant for the user and developer alike.