RADAR Software Release: Import of GitHub repositories

With the current software version v1.22, RADAR introduces a new function as a beta version: the import of GitHub repositories. Users can now create datasets by transferring content directly from GitHub to RADAR. In addition, the new software offers support for Markdown formatting in the “Description” metadata field and a new RADAR REST API endpoint for statistics.

GitHub integration in RADAR (beta version)

GitHub is one of the most popular platforms for version control, collaboration and the publication of software. Research projects often store code, data and documentation there. With the new import function, this content can now be transferred directly into RADAR with just a few clicks - no more manual uploading. The GitHub import is therefore particularly suitable for projects that are based on continuous software development or where data is generated and managed using software.

The integration of GitHub and RADAR allows DOIs to be assigned for specific versions of a GitHub repository. This makes software versions and projects easily citable and allows linking to other digital resources or research data. Storage and publication in RADAR also ensures the long-term availability of content, which is not provided by GitHub itself.

RADAR supports the import from both public and private GitHub repositories. A token must be entered for the latter. Both the standard branch and an individual branch can be imported.

Limitations in the beta version:

The new GitHub import function is currently in the beta phase. We would like to emphasize that some functions are not yet supported. Known so far are: 

1. Symbolic links: These are not processed during import.
2. Git Large File Storage (LFS): Files that are managed via Git LFS cannot be imported.

We are actively working on further improving the GitHub import and welcome feedback.

Activation of the GitHub repository import:

The use of the GitHub import must be activated by FIZ Karlsruhe. This can be done for the entire RADAR contract or for specific workspaces. After activation, the additional table tab “GitHub repository BETA” is available to users to create datasets.

Do you like to use the new function? Contact us at info [at] radar-service.eu (info[at]radar-service[dot]eu).

We look forward to your feedback on the beta version!
 

Markdown formatting in the “Description” metadata field

RADAR now allows to mark up the “Description” metadata field with Markdown formatting. Researchers can use this to structure texts in an attractive way and insert headings, highlights or lists, for example, to present their datasets on the RADAR landing page in an even clearer and more informative style. Data users can activate the display of Markdown formatting on the landing page using the “Show Markdown” function and deactivate it using “Hide Markdown”.

RADAR API with new endpoint for statistics

A new endpoint has been added to the RADAR REST API. It allows to retrieve the number of page views and downloads of data records:
 

Dataset

You will find the detailed, updated documentation for the RADAR API on our support pages.

Note: This software release also affects the community-specific publication services for research data based on RADAR:

• RADAR4Chem, funded by NFDI4Chem (DFG Project Number 441958208)
• RADAR4Culture, funded by NFDI4Culture (DFG Project Number 441958017)