De Clarke (UCO/Lick Observatory), Steve Allen (UCO/Lick Observatory)
Three years ago, we presented an ADASS paper "Practical Applications of a Relational Database of FITS Keywords" in which we argued that significant benefits might be realized by modelling FITS keywords as data, and using these data plus a lightweight scripting language (Tcl/Tk) to generate products such as documentation and source code. This process, we claimed, could eliminate much repetitive hand-coding, reducing both errors and development time. This present paper is a report on the actual outcome of a commitment to data-driven software design for Lick instruments. Significant changes were made in the software development process, and three instruments have been designed and/or delivered using the new strategy: PFCAM, DEIMOS, and ESI. We will report on the degree to which the data-driven model (in which a database engine is an essential component in code development and deployment) has succeeded.