The backbone of the applications packages is KAPPA (Kernel APplication PAckage). It provides general-purpose applications that have wide applicability, concentrating on image processing, data visualisation, and manipulating NDF components. KAPPA provides facilities that integrate with specialised Starlink packages such as those for CCD reduction (CCDPACK), stellar and galaxy photometry (PHOTOM, EXTRACTOR, PISA, ESP), spectroscopy (ECHOMOP, FIGARO), polarimetry (POLPACK, TSP), format conversion (CONVERT), etc. Thus the functionality of KAPPA should not be regarded in isolation.
In a wider context, KAPPA offers facilities not in IRAF,
for instance handling of data errors, quality masking, a graphics
database, availability from the shell, as well as more n-dimensional
applications, widespread use of data axes, and a different style. It
integrates with instrument packages developed at UK observatories.
With the automatic data conversion and the availability of KAPPA and
other Starlink packages from within the
IRAF command language, you should be able to pick the
best of the relevant tools from both systems to get the job done.
KAPPA --- Kernel Application Package