qc: A tool for qualitative data analysis designed to support computational thinking
qc is a free, open-source command-line-based tool for qualitative
data analysis designed to support computational thinking. In addition to
making qualitative data analysis process more efficient, computational
thinking can contribute to the richness of subjective interpretation.
Although numerous powerful software packages exist for qualitative data
analysis, they are generally designed to protect users from complexity
rather than providing affordances for engaging with complexity via
algorithms and data structures.
Installation
Prerequisites
qc runs on the command line (also called a shell or a terminal), so you will
need to be familiar with using a command line in order to use qc.
Python 3.9 or higher.
Pandoc.
qcrelies on Pandoc for converting between file formats.A code editor. You should install Visual Studio Code, the default editor, unless you prefer a different editor such as emacs or vim.
The Sync Scroll extension for Visual Studio Code.
Install with pip or pipx
qc is distributed via the Python Package Index (PYPI). If you want to
install qc globally on your system, the cleanest approach is to use
pipx.
Note
The command below (and others throughout this documentation)
is intended to be entered into a terminal.
The % character is the command prompt indicating that the
terminal is ready for input; don’t type it into your terminal.
Don’t worry if your terminal uses a different command prompt
such as $.
% pipx install qualitative-coding
Install as a dependency
If your research project is already contained within a Python package
and you want to install qc as a local dependency, simply add
qualitative-coding to pyproject.toml or requirements.txt.
Stuck?
If you get stuck installing qc, feel free to email
Chris Proctor (chrisp@buffalo.edu), the project lead.