OBJECT-ORIENTED SEQUENCE-ANALYSIS - SCL-A C++ CLASS LIBRARY

SCL (Sequence Class Library) is a class library written in the C+ + pr ogramming language. Designed using object-oriented programming princip les, SCL consists of classes of objects performing tasks typically nee ded for analyzing DNA or protein sequences. Among them are very flexib le sequence classes, classes accessing databases in various formats, c lasses managing collections of sequences, as well as classes performin g higher-level tasks like calculating a pairwise sequence alignment. S CL also includes classes that provide general programming support, lik e a dynamically growing array, sets, matrices, strings, classes perfor ming file input/output, and utilities for error handling. By providing these components, SCL fosters an explorative programming style: exper imenting with algorithms and alternative implementations is encouraged rather than punished. A description of SCL's overall structure as wel l as an overview of its classes is given. Important aspects of the wor k with SCL ave discussed in the context of a sample program.