JPIC & How to make a PIC code

Author developed the parallel fully kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code JPIC based on updated and advanced algorithms (e.g. numerical-dispersion-free electromagnetic field solver) for simulating laser plasma interactions. Basic technical points and hints of PIC programming and parallel programming by message passing interface (MPI) are reviewed. Most of contents come from Author’s notes when writing up JPIC and experiences when using the code to solve different problems. Enough “how-to-do-it” information should help a new beginner to effectively build up his/her own PIC code. General advices on how to use a PIC code are also given.