The author shares their experience breaking a 20-year habit of using SPSS for statistical analysis and transitioning to using Python in a Google Colab Notebook for data analysis.
The transition involved embracing 'vibe coding' or 'chat coding,' where the author fully immersed themselves in the coding process, relying on AI-generated code and Python tools while maintaining cognitive engagement.
The author highlights the efficiency and productivity of SPSS due to its years of optimization but acknowledges the limitations when compared to modern tools like Python and R, especially in terms of data cleaning and analysis capabilities.
The challenge of learning Python and using new technologies like Pandas and Matplotlib was initially daunting, but the discovery of Google Colab with its coding assistant simplified the process for the author.
The author's experience in leveraging Python through chat-oriented programming led to successful data analysis tasks that would have been difficult to achieve using SPSS, showcasing the transformative potential of adopting new coding practices.
The use of AI-generated code, collaboration with the coding assistant, and exploration of Python libraries enabled the author to conduct sophisticated data analysis in a new ecosystem, marking a significant shift in their programming approach.
The author emphasizes the importance of being able to attempt advanced tasks in a different programming environment, highlighting the benefits of leveraging modern tools like Python for data analysis and programming challenges.
The article concludes by pointing out the transformative nature of embracing new coding methodologies and tools, emphasizing the opportunities for growth and innovation that come with breaking away from long-standing programming habits.
The shift from SPSS reliance to Python experimentation showcases the author's journey towards adapting to modern programming paradigms and exploring innovative ways to approach data analysis tasks.