Question 1

How do I read a ROOT file using hep in Go?

Accepted Answer

Use packages like go-hep/rootio to open and parse ROOT files directly in Go. The API provides methods to access histograms, trees, and event data, similar to ROOT's C++ interface but with Go's simplicity. Check the documentation on Codeberg for examples and usage patterns.

Question 2

Is hep production-ready for large-scale HEP experiments like those at CERN?

Accepted Answer

hep is stable for many analysis tasks, but it may lack the battle-tested robustness of ROOT or Python tools in production environments. It's best suited for prototyping, teaching, or complementary analysis where Go's benefits outweigh ecosystem maturity.

Question 3

Go hep vs Python for HEP data analysis – which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Choose hep if you prioritize performance, clean code, and modern Go practices, especially for backend pipelines. Opt for Python if you need extensive libraries like NumPy, interactive notebooks, or integration with existing Python-heavy workflows. hep excels in native Go environments but has a steeper adoption curve.

Question 4

What plotting libraries does hep support for visualization?

Accepted Answer

hep includes packages for basic plotting and histogram visualization, often leveraging Go's graphics libraries. However, it may not support advanced interactive features found in Python's Matplotlib or JavaScript-based tools. Refer to the hep subpackages for specific plotting capabilities.

Question 5

Can hep interface with Python HEP tools like uproot or PyROOT?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through interoperability features, hep can bridge with Python via data exchange formats or custom bindings. This allows hybrid workflows, but setup may require additional configuration compared to native Python solutions.

Question 6

How does hep's performance compare to C++ ROOT for simulations?

Accepted Answer

hep benefits from Go's compiled nature, offering competitive performance for many tasks, especially in concurrent processing. However, C++ ROOT may still outperform in highly optimized, low-level simulations due to decades of tuning and hardware-specific optimizations.

Question 7

How to contribute to hep since development moved to Codeberg?

Accepted Answer

Contribute by forking the repository on Codeberg, submitting pull requests, and engaging with the community there. The README indicates this shift, so follow Codeberg's workflow for issues and collaboration, which may differ from GitHub's ecosystem.

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