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How to learn Basic languge for operating DNA/RNA seq analysis tools?

The tools for analysis of RNA , and whole genome sequencing DATA needs some basic computer language to operate. What is the best way for a biological science (computer illetrate) student to learn the operating language for these tools?

sequencing

haha, I thought you wanted to learn BASIC

Yes, also scared me for a second :-)

2 answers

Bash/shell command line tools are really important. Those can save you a lot of time. To get started I would suggest following this tutorial: Codecademy Learn the command line. Almost everything can be solved by a well-crafted combination of unix-shell tools.

In addition, knowing bits of a scripting language to solve more complicated problems would be advantageous, such as Python, or maybe R if you are into statistics (and absurd painful data structures).

I personally found this super helpful for learning the basic Unix and Perl commands as a totally computer illiterate grad student: http://korflab.ucdavis.edu/unix_and_perl/

I also recommend the Windows 10 Linux subsystem if you are using a PC. Cygwyn was a pain for me.

Or just, like, you know, install real Linux :-)

Unfortunately, that is not always an option depending on your environment and IT-department...

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