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  • 1.  Python/R/Code Use Cases

    Posted 06-11-2025 12:34 PM

    Hi,

    Regardless of whether you use Python or R or another favorite programming language, what are you using code to do at your organization?

    I'm interested in the types of coding projects being done and their purposes.

    Thanks,

    Kelly



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    Kelly Douglas
    California Institute of Technology
    kellyd@caltech.edu
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  • 2.  RE: Python/R/Code Use Cases

    Posted 06-11-2025 01:15 PM
    Hi Kelly,

    Beyond SQL for querying, ETL, and data modeling related to our reporting environments, we use a couple of different programming languages.

    We use .NET and C# for customizations related to Blackbaud CRM.

    We also use Python to interface with certain APIs on external systems for automation or data extraction that can't be done or scheduled in front end systems. An example: we use Salesforce Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and part of our workflow involves having a series of data extensions built and refreshed automatically to be used for audience definition. We've used python to interface with the SFMC REST and SOAP APIs to create the extension, create a SQL activity to add/update data in that extension, and add the SQL activity to a refresh schedule.   

    Curious to hear what others are doing out there as well.

    Best,

    Matt

    Matt Johnson

    Manager, Enterprise System Data Architect | mattjohnson@miami.edu

    Division of Development and Alumni Relations

    University of Miami

    1552 Brescia Ave, Suite 130F, Coral Gables, FL 33146






  • 3.  RE: Python/R/Code Use Cases

    Posted 06-12-2025 10:51 AM

    I am at the very beginning of using R at my organization but right now I am attempting to use it to automate the creation of certain charts that we make each month. I have also used R to do some basic data exploration. This has mostly been a side project for me but I am interested in what others are doing as well.



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    Hannah Rafle
    The University of Colorado Boulder
    Hannah.Rafle@colorado.edu
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  • 4.  RE: Python/R/Code Use Cases

    Posted 06-14-2025 08:11 PM

    Hi Kelly!

    Just like Matthew, I have experience using Python to interface with certain APIs. I currently use Python to extract data from Salesforce using the API there (with a SOQL query). There's a neat Python package called Simple-Salesforce that works well for this. I then use that data to have Python use the MS Office API to generate acknowledgement letters in word and publish them in SharePoint for review. Its helped a ton in that space in my role. 

    I've also recently used it to crunch some numbers and get retention rates and other things metrics we were looking for. The Pandas/ Numpy packages are pretty great in that space.

    Best,



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    Jonathan Bevis
    Points of Light
    jonathan.bevis1@protonmail.com
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