Methods / Series — 5 Parts
This course is designed for researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates who have never used Python before. You will write code by conversing with an LLM (large language model) such as ChatGPT — a style known as "vibe coding." It is especially recommended for those who have hit the limits of Excel or who want to ensure the reproducibility of their analyses.
Why choose Python, what it means to write and run code, and the concepts of environment setup, libraries, and reproducibility. A map of the entire course.
From installing VSCode, creating a folder and virtual environment (venv), creating an .ipynb file, running Hello World, to outputting basic statistics from Excel — all in one go.
How to prompt an LLM, how to describe your folder structure, error handling, and tips for iterative improvement. Includes important notes on handling personal and confidential data.
How to use pip freeze to export your current environment to requirements.txt so that others can reproduce the same setup. Common pitfalls are also covered.
How to organize your analysis package folder, publish it on Zenodo (with DOI) or GitHub, and add the link to your paper's Appendix.