UK Data Service launches Syntax Upload Facility

The UK Data Service has just released a new service called Syntax Upload Facility. The Syntax Upload Facility enables researchers to upload and share syntax they create using UK Data Service data, building a library of syntax for other users to utilise and cite. The new Syntax Upload Facility aims to enhance researcher’s work and provide an opportunity to increase the impact of research through having syntax used and cited by others. UK Data Service also suggests how to cite these syntax-files. In addition, the syntax itself has a DOI, what promotes uniform citation standards.

The syntax created using our datasets can be uploaded by clicking Contribute your syntax/code at the bottom of the respective catalogue records. Once logged in, the syntax files can be uploaded in various formats including SPSS, Stata, SAS and R.

The Syntax Upload Facility then automatically creates a citation and a file which can be downloaded by other users. The new facility is particularly useful for researchers, students and those teaching with data. An example is available here.

At first glance, the Syntax Upload Facility seems to be akin to other services: RunMyCode is such an example, and also our own service, the ZBW Journal Data Archive offers the possibility for authors of participating journals to receive a DOI for the syntax of their analysis. In any case, it is a a valuable tool to promote syntax sharing which is primarily important for teaching purposes but also for verifying the conclusions of published research papers.

Picture: “Do file” by ZBW Journal Data Archive, License: CC-BY 4.0