# BUSCO

> software

**Wikidata**: [Q109491265](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109491265)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/busco-q109491265

## Summary
BUSCO is a software tool designed to assess genome assembly and annotation completeness using single-copy orthologs. It is a non-tangible executable component of a computer and is part of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. As an instance of software, it serves as a specialized instrument for performing logical operations within a bioinformatics context.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** BUSCO is an instance of software, which is a subclass of creative work, written work, means, and product.
- **Affiliation:** It is part of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics.
- **Core Function:** The software provides a method for assessing genome assembly and annotation completeness with single-copy orthologs.
- **Described By Source:** "BUSCO: assessing genome assembly and annotation completeness with single-copy orthologs".
- **Composition:** Like all software, it is composed of two primary parts: computer programs and data.
- **Nature:** It is defined as a non-tangible executable component, functioning as the opposite of computer hardware.
- **Parent System:** It is a part of a computer, which is a general-purpose device for performing operations.
- **Academic Fields:** The entity falls under the study of software engineering and software studies.
- **Technical Attributes:** Its characteristics include source code, software architecture, software quality, and testability.
- **Categorization:** It is categorized under Dewey Decimal Classification codes 005.3 and 005.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of BUSCO?
A: BUSCO is used to assess the completeness of genome assemblies and annotations by utilizing single-copy orthologs as a metric.

### Q: What organization maintains BUSCO?
A: BUSCO is part of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, which is associated with the ELIXIR Europe network (specifically the Switzerland node).

### Q: Is BUSCO considered a physical product?
A: No, BUSCO is classified as software, making it a non-tangible executable component rather than a physical hardware object.

### Q: How is BUSCO categorized in library systems?
A: It is classified as a creative and written work and is assigned Dewey Decimal Classification codes 005 and 005.3.

## Why It Matters
BUSCO is significant because it provides a critical method for evaluating the quality of genomic data, specifically the completeness of genome assemblies and annotations. By leveraging single-copy orthologs, it offers a standardized metric for researchers to verify the integrity of biological data. As a software product, it transforms general-purpose computer hardware into a specialized tool for bioinformatics, enabling complex logical operations that are essential for modern biological research. Its development and maintenance by the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics further underscore its importance as a reliable resource within the scientific community.

## Notable For
- **Bioinformatics Application:** Specialized in assessing genome assembly and annotation completeness using single-copy orthologs.
- **Institutional Integration:** Operates as part of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, linking it to major European research infrastructure.
- **Software Architecture:** Defined by core software characteristics including source code, architecture, quality, and testability.
- **Non-Tangibility:** Distinct from physical tools, existing entirely as a non-tangible executable component composed of computer programs and data.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
BUSCO is formally defined as an instance of software. As such, it is a non-tangible executable component of a computer system, serving as a tool or means for the machine to perform arithmetic or logical operations. Within taxonomic structures, BUSCO falls under the subclass of creative work, written work, and product. It is functionally defined as the opposite of computer hardware, which constitutes the physical object.

### Components and Characteristics
The internal composition of BUSCO consists of computer programs and data, adhering to the fundamental makeup of software entities. Its development and evaluation are governed by standard software characteristics:
*   **Source Code:** The underlying instructions that dictate the software's behavior.
*   **Software Architecture:** The structural design inherent to the system.
*   **Software Quality and Testability:** The standards ensuring the software performs correct operations and can be verified.
*   **Classification Codes:** It is indexed under Dewey Decimal Classification 005.3 and 005.

### Organizational Affiliation
BUSCO is part of the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. This association places the software within a recognized academic and infrastructure network. References to this affiliation include citations related to the ELIXIR Europe network, specifically noting the Switzerland node as of November 2021.

### Functionality and Scope
The specific utility of BUSCO is detailed in the source "BUSCO: assessing genome assembly and annotation completeness with single-copy orthologs." This description highlights its role in bioinformatics. It functions as a means to evaluate genomic data, transforming the general capabilities of a computer into a specialized application for biological analysis. As a subject of software engineering and software studies, it represents the intersection of coding disciplines and life sciences.

## References

1. [Source](https://elixir-europe.org/about-us/who-we-are/nodes/switzerland)