1 Tool Knowledge, installation and setup

1.1 Understand purpose of tools

Understands the purpose and typical use cases for the following tools:

Jupyter: for interactive data exploration and analysis
Quarto: for creating structured, shareable, and reproducible documents
Python / R: for performing data analysis
Git / GitHub: for version control and collaboration

1.2 Install required tools

Knows which tools need to be installed separately, e.g.:

Jupyter and Quarto are installed in addition to Python or R.
Understands that Git must be installed for local version control and GitHub is used for remote sharing and collaboration.

1.3 Comfortable working with system administration basics

Installing and configuring tools like Jupyter, Quarto, Python, R, and Git may require some basic system administration skills— such as modifying environment variables (e.g. the PATH) or resolving permission issues. While support is often available from IT services or AI tools, a degree of confidence and comfort with these tasks is beneficial.

1.4 Use of Command line

Comfortable using the command line, especially for setup and troubleshooting tasks. While many tasks can be completed through graphical interfaces, some actions—such as software installation, rendering documents, navigating directories, or resolving environment issues—are often easier or only possible via the command line.

2 Document authoring

2.1 Use Markdown

Uses Markdown (or Quarto’s visual mode) to write clear, structured text, including:

Headings
Emphasis (bold/italics)
Hyperlinks
Equations (using LaTeX, where needed)

Recognises that Quarto’s visual editor can support formatting without requiring deep knowledge of Markdown.

2.2 Manages data appropriately

Organises and stores data files clearly and appropriately, considering licensing and reproducibility. Able to read data into the notebook or document correctly using code.

2.3 Write clean, reproducible code

Writes well-structured, readable, and commented code in a language supported by Jupyter or Quarto (e.g. Python, R). Uses appropriate libraries or packages for the task, and ensures the code runs from start to finish without errors, producing consistent and reproducible results.

2.4 Use code cells and chunks

Organises content using code cells (Jupyter) or code chunks (Quarto) and manages what code/output is shown to the reader.

2.5 Configure Quarto YAML

Adds and edits YAML metadata (e.g. title, author, output format), and uses options to tailor document rendering.

2.6 Present Output Clearly

Ensures that code outputs are clean, relevant, and easy to interpret. Avoids overwhelming readers with unnecessary print statements or large raw outputs. Aligns outputs with narrative.

3 Rendering, publishing and sharing

3.1 Render documents

Knows how to render Quarto or Jupyter documents using either the interface or command line into formats such as HTML, PDF, or Word. Understands how output format affects structure and appearance. Aware that some formats (e.g. PDF) require additional tools like LaTeX.

3.2 Control output visibility

Uses tool-specific features (e.g. code chunk options, notebook metadata) to manage what is shown in the final document—such as hiding code, showing outputs only, or suppressing warnings. Produces clean, focused documents suitable for readers.

4 Version control and collaboration (with Git and GitHub)

4.1 Use Git for version control

Tracks changes using Git, commits appropriately using meaningful messages, and manages local repositories.

4.2 Use GitHub for Collaboration

Creates and manages repositories on GitHub. Pushes/pulls files, manages public vs private settings, and collaborates with others through issues, pull requests, or branching.

4.4 Publishes using services like GitHub Pages and Binder

Uses services such as GitHub Pages to publish rendered Quarto documents as websites, or Binder to launch interactive versions of Jupyter notebooks. Understands the basic setup and maintenance involved in making content accessible and executable online.

5 Troubleshooting and support seeking

5.1 Troubleshooting skills

Can search effectively for solutions (e.g. Stack Overflow, GitHub Issues) and address common problems related to rendering, setup, or sharing.

5.2 Seeks Support Proactively

Knows when and how to seek help—from IT teams, forums, peers, AI.