At our upcoming Research Software Camp: Next Steps in Coding we are running a free online Software Surgery - but what exactly is it and how can you get involved? Read on!

What is the Software Surgery about?

The Software Surgery aims to provide a safe and welcoming space to get advice on any aspect of software development from a Research Software Engineer (RSE) in 20 minute appointments. It's based around the operation of a doctor's surgery, with participants in the role of patient, and an RSE acting as a doctor, with a Zoom meeting serving as a virtual doctor's office.

What kind of problem is suitable for the Surgery?

Generally, any kind of question or problem you are having with developing research software is very welcome at the Surgery - it might be something to do with (but certainly not limited to):

• A coding issue you'd like some advice or help with.
• Having another person look through some part of your code and help you improve it.
• Using a particular technology.
• How to adopt a particular development practice - either by yourself or within a team.
• Which programming language, technology or infrastructure to use in a given situation, or how best to use it.
• A need to discuss a problem to gain a deeper understanding of it.

Of course, you may not know how to classify the problem or where to start, which is fine too!

What happens at the appointment

At the appointment, the RSE will lead you through a few steps in order to provide help, giving you an opportunity to discuss your problem (and its symptoms) and the key challenges. It's a good idea to have a bit of a think about it before the appointment to get it clear in your mind. The RSE will then discuss with you a potential diagnosis and treatment for the challenges, and any options available that may help.

During the meeting the RSE takes notes in a form which is emailed to yourself and the RSE afterwards as a record of the prescribed treatment.

Take part in the Software Surgery

Volunteer as an RSE

By volunteering to help with the software surgery you can put your software skills to good use and help others in the community. It is an opportunity to practise your own skills, from diagnosing interesting technical problems to reviewing code.

We ask volunteers to commit at least 40 mins (2 sessions) of their time per week. RSEs will provide their availability and attendees can choose the appointment time that suits them.