Is coding required for data analytics?

Data analytics and coding

In the initial stages, there were quite a few inventories, and there were even fewer complications. With simple tools, essential data could be managed. Then, data science and data analytics came in, and the simple tools were not enough anymore. This is the point where coding came in. With coding, people could tell computers what they needed to be done. This is why so many people wonder whether data analysts code. 

The simple answer is no. Code is not one of the skills that data analysts are expected to have and execute in daily operations. Generally, simple functions in data analysis, such as analyzing data trends, don’t need the analyst to write code. However, big data brings a complex twist to the position of a data analyst, which makes coding possible. 

Understanding data analytics

This is the study of real data to come up with a hypothesis. It is a general term referring to different techniques in data analysis. These techniques can be applied to all sorts of data to get some valuable insights that make things better in gaining knowledge and making decisions. 

With the data analytic strategies, indicators and patterns can be exposed. This would have otherwise been lost. In addition, the knowledge may be used in refining different processes to maximize the company’s performance or system. For example, for manufacturing firms, job queues, downtime, and run-time of the machines are monitored. The data is then analyzed in a way that makes it easier to schedule workloads allowing machines to work at close ability. 

Coding

Coding refers to translating findings and collected data into unified and coherent categories. This method represents and summarizes data to give the most comprehensive descriptions of observed or reported phenomena. These codes are ideas that connect data and theory. 

If you decide to code manually, you must decide on inductive or deductive coding. You need to look at the data to understand how it looks. You need to get into the data one point after the other. You need more comprehensive codes at this point. The codes must be sorted into different categories to help determine precisely how they blend with the whole framework. All the popular trends need to be recognized for action to be taken. 

Data becomes complex daily, and analysts must be more professional and specific. They need the best abilities for communication since they have to convey what they extract from the available data. Most data analysts are not coding experts but work extensively with analytics software. 

So is it possible to be a data analyst without any coding knowledge?

Data analysts can be viewed as truth narrators because they expose any insights contained in data. Narration is done using sales and reports, among others. This is all possible to achieve without having to write code. 

Some analysts use code to handle daily tasks, but it is not a requirement. Even if you need coding, the basics are enough and can go a long way in dispensing the expected duties. This understanding can be used in Tableau or R and is easy to use, execute, and study. Coding is closely related to data science, where coding skills at a more advanced level are needed for much better outcomes. As such, if you are interested in spreading your wings further than data analysis, consider coding. 

Wish to pursue a career in data analytics? Enroll in this Data Analytics Certification Courses in Pune to start your journey.

Analysts should consider learning the basics of Python, R, and SQL. These allow you to have a better grasp of analytics. With scripting, data analytics jobs get simpler. When you know more, you can handle tasks more easily. The coding skills needed for data analysts are not extensive. Having some experience in data management, data visualization, and data mining applications is better. To excel in data analysis, you need math skills and predictive analytics.