Skip to content

README Template for Software Projects

This template guides you in preparing your software for testing, distribution, and feedback. It ensures clarity and usability across common programming environments (e.g., Python, C, C++, MATLAB).

Project Overview

Provide a brief introduction to your project:

  • Project Name:
  • Description: Explain the purpose, goals, and significance of the software.
  • Key Features: Highlight the main functionalities.
  • Status: Indicate whether this is a prototype, beta, or production-ready software.

Link to Related Article

Include a reference to the research article related to this software, if applicable:

  • Article Title:
  • Journal/Conference:
  • DOI/Link:

Requirements

List the prerequisites for using the software:

  • Hardware: Specify any hardware requirements (e.g., GPU model, memory, processor type).
  • Programming Language: Mention supported languages (e.g., Python 3.8+, C++11, MATLAB R2021b).
  • Libraries/Dependencies: List required libraries or packages for each language (with versions):
  • Python: Provide a requirements.txt or specify pip commands.
  • C/C++: Mention required compilers (e.g., GCC, Clang) and external libraries.
  • MATLAB: List required toolboxes.
  • Other Tools: Specify any additional tools or system software.

Installation Instructions

Provide language-specific installation steps:

Python

  1. Clone the repository:
git clone https://repository-link.git
  1. Navigate to the directory:
cd project-directory
  1. Install dependencies:
pip install -r requirements.txt

C/C++

  1. Clone the repository:
git clone https://repository-link.git
  1. Compile the code:
mkdir build && cd build  
cmake .. && make

MATLAB

  1. Download the repository or clone it:
git clone https://repository-link.git
  1. Add the folder to the MATLAB path:
addpath('project-directory');  
savepath;

Usage Instructions

Provide usage examples:

Python

python main.py --input input_file --output output_file

C/C++

./executable_name input_file output_file

MATLAB

output = function_name(input_file);

Include:

  • Expected Output: Describe what users should see or achieve.
  • Advanced Options: Detail any optional parameters or configurations.

Testing

Describe testing procedures for each language:

Python

Run provided tests:

pytest tests/

C/C++

Run unit tests (if available):

ctest

MATLAB

Run test scripts:

run('tests/test_script.m');

Troubleshooting

Provide common issues and solutions:

  • Problem: Missing library error during compilation.
  • Solution: Ensure all dependencies are installed (e.g., apt-get install libname).
  • Problem: Function returns unexpected results in MATLAB.
  • Solution: Verify input format and units.

Change Log

Track all changes made to the software:

  • Version 1.0 (YYYY-MM-DD): Initial release.
  • Version 1.1 (YYYY-MM-DD): Improved efficiency of algorithm X.

Contribution Guidelines

Encourage collaboration:

  • Pull Requests: Describe how to submit contributions.
  • Code Style: Provide style guidelines (e.g., PEP 8 for Python, Google C++ Style Guide).
  • Testing: Require contributors to test their code before submitting.

Licensing

Use a clear and permissive license, such as:

  • MIT License: Include a LICENSE file with the text of the MIT License.
  • Apache 2.0 License: Include the LICENSE file with Apache-specific clauses.

Contact Information

Provide contact details:

  • Author(s):
  • Email Address:
  • Institution/Department: