Open Code can play a role in your research in two ways: you can use other people’s Open Code, or you can make your own code open. The two approaches complement each other, and there are simple first steps for each.

The basis for both paths

• Use open programming languages and Open Source software wherever possible. Check whether there are Open Source alternatives to commercial tools.
• Familiarise yourself with the most important Open Source licences and how they differ. They determine what you may do with other people’s code and what others may do with yours.

Path 1: Using other people’s Open Code

• Search specifically for Open Code on your research topic.
• Reuse it for your own research, learn from it, or use it to reproduce other researchers’ results.
• Cite the code you use.

Path 2: Making your own code open

• Create your code from the start so that others can understand and use it, whether you work alone or with others.
• See code as part of making your research reproducible.
• Publish your code, ideally in a citable form and under an open licence.