[Bioperl-l] FeatureIO refactoring

[Chris Fields]

All,

Based on a few discussions from the BioPerl meeting, I've decided to go ahead, bite the bullet, and (on a branch) pull out the Bio::FeatureIO code from core for refactoring.  FeatureIO-based code now lies in the Bio-FeatureIO repository in bioperl's SVN.  The resulting code (FeatureIO-less) core probably won't be merged back into main trunk until after a 1.6.2 release, at which point we may just proceed towards the long-awaited restructuring scheme for BioPerl.

I'm pretty open for discussion on how to proceed.  My current somewhat loose plans:

1) Rewrite FeatureIO code to remove dependencies specifically on Bio::SeqFeature::Annotated (BSFA).

There have been several arguments on and off list as to BSFA's issues.  I think, due to BSFA's idiosyncracies, it's best to remove use of it from BioPerl and replace it with something more lightweight.

2) Consolidate FeatureIO around Bio::DB::SeqFeature::Store's Loader classes and built-in SeqFeature methods for generating GFF data. 

No need to rehash code if it's already working well (and an opportunity to fix code that needs it).  In particular, the GFF3 loader appears to be working very well.  However, if there are any caveats, this would be the time to air them!  Also, with that mind...

3) Optional type-checking against SO/SOFA using tools already in place (Bio::Ontology::*)

This is a bit trickier, as I don't recall Bio::DB::SeqFeature having any typing mechanism, I'm guessing in keeping with it's lightweight nature.  Should we use the attribute Ontology_term for this?

4) Of course, addressing any FeatureIO-related bugs present in Bugzilla.

 

Feedback and suggestions welcome!

chris