The patron distribution functions (PDFs) describe the parton content of the proton. They cannot be calculated from the first principle and are... Show moreThe patron distribution functions (PDFs) describe the parton content of the proton. They cannot be calculated from the first principle and are to be determined empirically by fitting experimental observables to quantum chromodynamics (QCD) predictions. The HERAFitter project aims to provide a framework for QCD analyses of proton structure at leading order (LO), next-to-leading order (NLO) and next-to-next-to-leading (NNLO) orders in perturbative QCD. The framework includes various modules and interfaces enabling a large number of theoretical and methodological options. It also allows to study the impact of the new experimental data on the PDFs from ep, pp and pp̅ scattering processes. The fast development of the project involves active communication with theorists and experimentalist as well as a close collaboration with the main PDF fitting groups. Full information about the project, downloads and documentation can be found in http://herafitter.org. Sponsorship: IIT College of Science, High Energy Physics Division of Argonne National Laboratory Show less
