Biology & Biomedical Research

SAMtools

An open-source command-line suite for reading, converting, sorting, indexing, and summarizing SAM, BAM, and CRAM alignment files.

Last verified

RESEARCH USE

Where SAMtools fits

SAMtools is most relevant for processing and inspecting sequencing alignment files. It should be treated as one component of a research workflow rather than as a substitute for reading source material, checking methods, or validating scientific conclusions.

What to evaluate before use

  • Check whether its Linux, macOS, CLI workflow fits your existing research environment and export requirements.
  • The recorded access model is open source; limits, institutional terms, and commercial-use conditions may change.
  • Open-source code is available, but code, model weights, hosted services, and data may have different licenses. Review the relevant terms separately.

Verification note

This entry summarizes the tool's role without assessing scientific accuracy or endorsing its outputs. Features and terms can change; consult the official source before adopting it for consequential work.

alignment filessequencing

Last verified: 2026-08-29
Source: official documentation ↗