Thread by @lana_caldarevic

A lot of you are approaching me and asking how to get started with programming for #bioinformatics as some find it quite difficult and scary. I always answer don’t be afraid, it’s not going to bite you.I am planing to make video about it but here are some tips how to get started!

1. Start with choosing a programming language that is appropriate to your use case. I always suggest either #python or #R. Python is easier to understand, but R is more advance in terms of #bioinformatics libraries and already available implementations.

Of course there are many more programming languages to choose from but I would suggest to focus first on either #python or #R for #bioinformatics.

Btw if you are already working in the field, share which programming language you use and prefer!

2. To keep you motivated of learning language syntax, came up with simple project which you would break into smaller problems and learn programming for #bioinformatics as you go. Breaking it down into smaller steps will make you kore efficient by solving smaller problems first.

If you don’t have ideas for projects for #bioinformatics I would suggest to start with #rosalind challenge problems. They are good for learning both #programming and #bioinformatics topics at the same time: rosalind.info/problems/locat…

3. If you at some point get stuck, make sure to utilize web and find community of people working on similar topics and ask questions #Bioinformatics. There are so many good resources nowadays, it’s easy to get the help.

I would suggest asking questions on #bioinformatics related forums like #biostars or even #reddit which has bioinformatics thread. You can also ask me or other people who are helping others for help as we are excatly here because of that! To help you :)

This makes me to wonder should I also create discord to create a #bioinformatics community so I am also easier to approach? Tell me what do you think! 🤔🤔

4. Find your preferred approach of learning. Find books to read, tutorials, youtube videos, follow people on Twitter who can help you achieve your goal, be proactive. You need to find your motivation, otherwise all the help you are getting won’t help you much! #bioinformatics

There are so many other (and FREE) ways to learn #programming for #bioinformatics as there are many resources out there.

Soon I will create video on getting started with #bioinformatics to dig deeper into the topic and also continue with #python for #bioinformatics videos!

So make sure to follow me here on twitter or youtube if you are interested in breaking into tech #bioinformatics.

youtube.com/c/LanaCaldarev…