Suggestion. Use namelist.tools_name instead of namelist.input.

[zemega]

Hi. I would like to suggest the usage of the tool's name instead of common namelist.input. I see that under Mesh Tools, each grid_rotate, periodic_quad, and periodic_hex use namelist.input as the namelist file. I'm suggesting for them to use namelist.grid_rotate, namelist.periodic_quad, and namelist.periodic_hex instead.

For example, in a workflow, that may call for at least periodic_hex and periodic_quad, currently both would refer to namelist.input. While this can be deal with the use of 'ln -sf' each time for each tool, it can be better if both of them would read their own namelist.periodic_hex and namelist.periodic quad.

There will be less confusion and less human error in using the tools.

[xylar]

@mgduda, I think you and the MPAS-Atmosphere team may be the only MPAS developers still using these tools, is that correct?

@zemega, I think most of the MPAS developers are using the python-based tools, which do not have namelist files. However, we have not created python version of periodic quad or grid_rotate, since our workflows don't involve these tools, so it sounds like you would be best off sticking with the Fortran tools.

[zemega]

@xylar, I'm just learning how to use MPAS. Based on https://www2.mmm.ucar.edu/projects/mpas/tutorial/Boulder2019/index.html tutorial page, it seems the 2019 tutorial is pointing towards old tools and programs?

[xylar]

@zemega, thanks for the context. It does sound like you're using the right tools, then. I'll let @mgduda respond if there are plans to enhance or modify the tools as you suggest.