The Gemini IRAF package aims to include data reduction software for all facility instruments. Currently, the software is organized mostly according to instruments. However, we do have plans to move gradually towards more generic tools able to handle data from different instruments. This direction will facilitate long-term maintenance, expedite the development of software for new instruments, and offer a more uniform interface to the user.

Linked to this generic software project is the migration to PyRAF, a user interface developed by the STScI to emulate the IRAF interface while allowing the use of modern programming languages like Python. As of 2008, new data reduction development projects are being written in Python and C++, rather than CL and SPP. The PyRAF interface provides us with a bridge between our CL-based data reduction software and the new tools. This new approach meshes more easily with our automated pipeline project and also allow for faster, more robust data reduction software.

Here is a list of on-going projects:

• AstroData: an software infrastructure to code data reduction software in a generic way
• NICI: data reduction software for non-campaign NICI users
• Automated Reduction: software infrastructure to run reduction 'recipes' in a pipeline

The following releases are being planned:

• Gemini IRAF 1.9.2 (patch release for a few important updates; ~Sep 08)
• Gemini IRAF 1.10 (full release to include essential improvements to current software; this expected to be the last fully CL-compatible release; end of 2008)
• Gemini IRAF 2.0 and gemini_python 1.0 (first release requiring PyRAF; early 2009)