Analytical Code Assurance

This Playbook sets out the NHSBSA’s expectations and processes for quality assurance of code used to produce analysis.

It is intended to complement, not replace, existing UK government and NHS guidance, including:

Guidance

Version control is all about managing changes

Testing ensures the analytical code produces the correct output.

Peer review is an opportunity to receive constructive feedback on the quality of your analysis and analytical code.

Readable code is clear and easy to understand, maintain and reuse.

Modular code is broken down into smaller, independent, reusable chunks.

Documentation explains what your analytical project does, why decisions were made, and how others can use and reproduce your work.

Open source code can be viewed, downloaded, used and changed by anyone.