Using a data-driven model for instrument software development

In a data-driven approach to the development of instrument control software, we attempt to abstract from the code as many repetitive data structures and operational parameters as possible, storing these data in a relational database instead of in hard coding. Documentation and source code can then be generated from a single authoritative source: the database engine. In order to pursue this approach, we made significant changes in our software development process. We report on the degree to which the data-driven model, (in which the database engine is an essential component in code development and deployment) has succeeded.