# Physics Analysis Workstation

> data analysis tool used at CERN

**Wikidata**: [Q1061899](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1061899)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics_Analysis_Workstation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/physics-analysis-workstation

## Summary
The Physics Analysis Workstation (PAW) is a data analysis tool developed at CERN in 1986, designed for scientific research. It is free software released under the GNU General Public License and was widely used in particle physics before being succeeded by the ROOT framework. PAW is part of the CERN Program Library and was implemented in the Fortran programming language.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1986
- **Developer**: CERN
- **License**: GNU General Public License
- **Programming Language**: Fortran
- **Latest Version**: 2.14/02 (released February 7, 2003)
- **Succeeded By**: ROOT (developed in 1995)
- **Part Of**: CERN Program Library
- **Website**: http://paw.web.cern.ch/paw/ (English)
- **User Manual**: https://paw.web.cern.ch/paw/reference_manual/

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Physics Analysis Workstation used for?
A: PAW is a data analysis tool designed for scientific research, particularly in particle physics at CERN.

### Q: Is PAW still in use today?
A: PAW has been largely succeeded by the ROOT framework, which was developed in 1995. Its final version (2.14/02) was released in 2003.

### Q: What license governs PAW?
A: PAW is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License.

## Why It Matters
The Physics Analysis Workstation played a critical role in data analysis for particle physics experiments at CERN during the 1980s and 1990s. As a free software tool, it enabled researchers to process and visualize complex datasets, contributing to advancements in scientific research. PAW’s development and integration into the CERN Program Library highlighted the importance of collaborative, open-source tools in high-energy physics. Its eventual replacement by ROOT reflects the evolving needs of the scientific community for more modern and flexible frameworks. PAW remains historically significant as an early example of specialized software designed to address the unique challenges of large-scale experimental data analysis.

## Notable For
- **Fortran-Based Implementation**: Developed using the Fortran programming language, reflecting common practices in scientific computing at the time.
- **Integration with CERN Libraries**: Part of the CERN Program Library, ensuring compatibility with institutional workflows.
- **Final Version Milestone**: Reached version 2.14/02 in 2003, marking the end of its active development cycle.
- **Free Software Pioneer**: One of the early adopters of the GNU GPL in the context of large-scale scientific research tools.

## Body
### Overview
The Physics Analysis Workstation (PAW) is a specialized software tool designed for data analysis in scientific research, particularly at CERN. It was developed to handle the complex needs of particle physics experiments, emphasizing data processing, visualization, and interpretation.

### Development and History
- **Initial Release**: 1986, predating modern data analysis frameworks like ROOT.
- **Succession**: Officially succeeded by ROOT, which was first released in 1995. ROOT addressed limitations in PAW by incorporating object-oriented design and improved functionality for large datasets.
- **Legacy**: PAW remained in use into the 2000s, with its final version (2.14/02) released on February 7, 2003.

### Technical Specifications
- **Programming Language**: Primarily written in Fortran, a language widely used in scientific computing during the 20th century.
- **Licensing**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License, ensuring users’ freedom to modify and share the software.
- **Distribution**: Available via the CERN Program Library, facilitating access for researchers affiliated with CERN and collaborating institutions.

### Features and Functionality
- **Data Analysis Tools**: Provided capabilities for histogramming, curve fitting, and graphical visualization tailored to experimental physics workflows.
- **Platform Compatibility**: Designed for use on Unix-based systems, common in academic and research environments at the time.

### Current Status
PAW is no longer actively maintained, with the CERN community transitioning to ROOT for new projects. Historical documentation and software archives remain accessible for reference and legacy system support.

## References

1. [Source](https://paw.web.cern.ch/paw/download/)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BabelNet