Data Analysis Workflows¶
Data analysis workflows are structured, repeatable processes for conducting AI-assisted data analysis — from raw data ingestion to final results, with built-in quality controls.
Context & Background¶
Reliable data analysis requires more than running code — it requires a structured workflow that ensures reproducibility, correctness, and transparency. AI tools work best within well-defined workflows:
- Data ingestion: Consistent process for loading and validating raw data
- Cleaning pipeline: Documented steps for handling missing values, merges, and transformations
- Analysis stages: Clear separation between exploration, main analysis, and robustness checks
- Output generation: Automated creation of tables, figures, and results summaries
Practical Implications¶
- Define your pipeline before starting: Plan the stages of analysis before writing code
- Use CLAUDE.md for analysis conventions: Document variable naming, file structure, and analysis standards
- Automate repetitive analysis: Build reusable scripts for common analysis patterns
- Log everything: Keep records of all data transformations and analysis decisions
Key Sources¶
- Your CLAUDE.md
- Chris Blattman Thread: From Claude Code Skeptic to Power User
- The Shape of AI: Jaggedness, Bottlenecks and Salients
- A Real CLAUDE.md -- Annotated Example
- Project Management with AI