The new GILDAS

During the last two years, the GILDAS package underwent important changes: the sources have been organised in a new, clearer tree; a new, simplified building mechanism has been developed; and many bugs have also been corrected. After extensive testing, this ``new'' GILDAS package is now mature enough to be distributed. A new GILDAS web page has thus been written and is now available at

http://www.iram.fr/IRAMFR/GILDAS

This page gives access to all GILDAS-related information (description, documentation, current status, supported systems, dependencies, distribution, etc). It enables direct download of the source code (the old ftp distribution area is now disconnected). A section devoted to linking programs against GILDAS is also available.

Please note that GILDAS requires FORTRAN-90 to be compiled (i.e. g77 is not supported anymore). We have checked the installation on a variety of platforms, including most flavors of LINUX and MAC/OSX. A Microsoft Windows version is also available (but is maintained on a best effort basis only).

In addition to software developments, our goal is to improve service during the coming years. In this area, our most important task will be to fully update the documentation, which is currently lagging. Please check the GILDAS web page for further information. All comments, suggestions, questions should be sent to gildas$@$iram.fr.

Jérome PETY and Frédéric GUETH,
on behalf of the GILDAS team