Reducing the ecological impact of computing through education and Python compilers

• We read with interest the Comment by Portegies Zwart on the ecological impact of high-performance computing in astrophysics. We fully agree with its take-home message: scientists should be mindful of their carbon footprint. One of the proposed solutions, however, is to avoid the Python programming language. We contend that this would be counterproductive and that scientific programs written in Python can be efficient and energy-friendly. We argue that human factors, such as education, and the advancement of compiler technology are much more important than choice of language.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Programvaruteknik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Software Engineering (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Astronomi, astrofysik och kosmologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Python

high performance computing

programming languages

compilers

carbon footprint

Software Development

programvaruutveckling

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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