Computational Science has many more parameters than my previous programming, and I'm finding it difficult to keep track. What's the best way to track them?editing source, commenting-out. Good for trying things quickly, but after some exploration, I've forgotten what the earlier ones were. Much harder when a setup requires changes to more than one part of the code (e.g. changing viscosity and initial conditions (IC)). in a class For each experiment, write a class with a method for each part of the set-up, then call those methods from the appropriate parts of the main code (e.g. specific IC, and specific boundary conditions (BC), and a combination of values for $\nu$ and $\Delta x$, and excluding/switching off some aspect, like advection, and maybe also changing visualization parameters, like scaling - though that really should be separate). Having one class for all these separate changes keeps them together in one place. (To run an experiment, instantiate the class for it, and plug it into the main code.)code: A further benefit of a class is that actual code is easily included e.g. It's common for IC to be defined as a function or method, not data points, because the former is more intelligible and modifiable. Sometimes,  the experiment is to change mathematical expressions/discretizations (i.e. again, executable code).file format Store the parameters in a file, and read it in and configure the appropriate parts of the main code. This doesn't work so well for choosing different mathematical expressions, unless you're using a dynamic language (e.g. python). Could use a proper database (e.g. SQL) instead of files.Though these don't include the results, such as data, plots, images.The above are my programmer-centric thoughts, but it occurs to me that Computational Science may have a more science approach, i.e. methodically recording experimental inputs and results. It could be done by making notes on paper, or in some form easier for publication.Perhaps also, standard software packages include means for easily recording inputs and results?  e.g. automatically journaled, so you can easily go back, if and when you need to write-up or revisit a particular experiment?I'm interested both in what is considered the best way... but also, what  people you actually do, which might be better than the so-called best (which might be too rigid, adding complexity overhead).EDIT We have limited attention, and code, paramaters, experiment and hypotheses can be complex enough, without unnecessary management overhead - especially if you're still learning (as I am). So, quick-and-dirty sometimes can be better trade-off, in practice, taking into account the true context and needs, than a proper heavy-weight industrial/institutional/enterprise grade solution.
Best way to track parameters and results, in your experience (i.e. how do you do it)?
fluid dynamics;data management