Getting started with programming (without the fear)

“We will become as comfortable with lines of code as we are with human sources, as fluent in Python as we are in multiple other languages.”
— Blaise Metreweli, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service

Coding is no longer a specialist skill. It’s becoming a basic one.

This ASC Lab is a friendly, practical introduction to programming for people working in surveys, research and data-driven roles who want to understand what coding is really about — without jargon or pressure.

You don’t need any prior experience. You don’t need to be “technical”. You just need curiosity.

What we’ll cover

• What programming actually is (in plain English)

• Getting set up with Visual Studio Code

• Writing and running your first simple bit of code

• How to experiment and learn confidently using AI tools

• Why mistakes and errors are a normal (and useful) part of learning

This session is hands-on, relaxed and focused on building confidence rather than perfection.

Who this Lab is for

• Researchers and survey professionals curious about coding

• People who’ve tried programming before and found it intimidating

• Anyone who wants to understand what terms like “Python” really mean in practice

• Those who feel coding is important — but don’t know where to start

No preparation required. No technical background expected.

Why attend

By the end of this Lab, you’ll:

• Understand what programming is and why it matters

• Have a working setup you can return to after the session

• Feel more confident opening a code editor and trying things out

• Be ready for the next Labs in the series