Course Description

This is the introductory module of a two-part training that prepares participants to use VS Code as their main development environment for Python and R. The focus is on understanding the interface, running scripts, using notebooks, documenting analyses, and applying version control. The module provides a foundation for building reproducible workflows and introduces essential privacy and data-handling practices.

Course Requirements

To participate in this training, participants should have:

1. Basic knowledge of writing simple Python or R scripts.
2. A laptop with VS Code and Python/R installed.
3. Skills to install VS Code extensions
4. Skills or interest in working with the terminal/command line.

No prior VS Code experience is required. No advanced coding experience is required. No prior knowledge of Git or reproducible workflows is required.

Learning Objectives

1. VS Code Fundamentals
   • Learn the fundamentals of the interface: Explorer, Terminal, Kernel selector, Extensions, and Configuration.
2. Documentation for Reproducible Research
   • Write technical notes using Markdown.
   • Create and run Python Jupyter Notebook or R Quarto Notebook inside VS Code.
   • Export Notebooks and Markdown for reporting.
3. Running Analyses in Python and R
   • Execute Python/R scripts using integrated terminals or the Run buttons.
4. Managing Basic Environments
   • Create and use Python virtual environments (venv or conda).
   • Create and use R environments and projects (renv)
   • Understand where code is executed and how kernels/environments affect reproducibility.
5. Version Control & Project Organization
   • Initialize a Git repository for a research project.
   • Track changes effectively for data privacy.
6. Privacy & Safe Research Practices: 
   • Disable cloud sync for sensitive academic projects. 
   • Use .env files for project secrets.
      

Location: CIT Smitsborg, Zernike Campus, room: Zebra, 0017