def supports_merge(data):
    """
    1.2.0 and up supports the --merge option and a planned utility gffcompare
    (https://github.com/gpertea/stringtie/issues/29) will add the class codes
    which will remove the need for cufflinks merge
    """
    gffcompare_installed = config_utils.program_installed("gffcompare", data)
    return version(data) >= LooseVersion("1.2.0") and gffcompare_installed
1.2.0 and up supports the --merge option and a planned utility gffcompare
    (https://github.com/gpertea/stringtie/issues/29) will add the class codes
    which will remove the need for cufflinks merge