The Gamma: Programmatic Data Exploration for Non-programmers

Abstract

—Data exploration tools based on code can access any data source, result in reproducible scripts and encourage users to verify, reuse and modify existing code. Unfortunately, they are hard to use and require expert coding skills. Can we make data exploration tools based on code accessible to non-experts? We present The Gamma, a novel text-based data exploration environment that answers the question in the affirmative. The Gamma takes the idea of code completion to the limit. Users create transparent and reproducible scripts without writing code, by repeatedly choosing from offered code completions. The Gamma is motivated by the needs of data journalists and shows that we may not need to shy away from code for building accessible, reproducible and transparent tools that allow a broad public to benefit from the rise of open data.