A Framework for the Development and Integration of Configurations within Real-time, Embedded and Distributed Software in HEP Experiments

Real-time, embedded and distributed systems play an increasing part in HEP1 experiments. The increasing size and complexity of the associated software call for tools that make the development of such systems feasible. The Km3Net design study for a future underwater cubic kilometer neutrino telescope has given us the opportunity to develop a software framework simplifying the implementation and integration of configurations for such systems. In this paper, we present the features of this framework and the added value it brings about for designers and end-users. Important issues are addressed such as: adaptability to HEP collaborations development processes based on parallel team-work and collaboration-wide integration; automatic mapping of configurations on RDBMS2; example-based configuration specification; multi-OS GUI3 widgets for control applications; API4 for configuration access in embedded applications. This framework will be used both within the online software of the future cubic kilometer and the many test benches needed for the development of the whole system.