GIN (G-Node Infrastructure)

GIN (G-Node Infrastructure) is a free data management system designed for comprehensive and reproducible management of scientific data. It’s optimized for neuroscience research but suitable for any field with large datasets.

Why GIN?

• Version Control for Data: Git-like workflow for datasets
• Large File Support: Efficiently handles files of any size
• Free Storage: Generous storage quotas for researchers
• Neuroscience Focus: Designed with neuroscience workflows in mind
• DOI Integration: Publish datasets with permanent identifiers

Key Features

• Web interface for browsing and managing data
• Git integration for command-line workflows
• Support for large files through git-annex
• Issue tracking and wikis for collaboration
• Public and private repositories

Getting Started

1. Create account at gin.g-node.org
2. Install the GIN client or use Git with git-annex
3. Create a repository for your dataset
4. Push data using Git commands
5. Share with collaborators or make public

GIN vs. GitHub

• GIN: Optimized for large data files, neuroscience community
• GitHub: Optimized for code, broader software community
• Use Both: Store code on GitHub, data on GIN, link them together

Best Practices

• Use clear naming conventions for data files
• Document data structure in README files
• Use Git tags to mark dataset versions
• Archive final versions with DOIs before publication
• Link GIN datasets to GitHub code repositories

Tips

• Use the GIN client for easier large file management
• Add metadata files to describe your datasets
• Make repositories public after paper acceptance
• Use organizations for lab or project group data