Coding in qualitative research is the process of systematically categorizing excerpts in qualitative data in order to find themes and patterns. It involves separating a phrase or word and tagging it with a code that describes a data group and separates the information into defined categories or themes. Coding is an analytical process that transforms data into a form suitable for computer-aided analysis).

There are two approaches to coding qualitative data: manual coding and automated coding. Manual coding involves reading through the data and assigning codes to words and phrases to capture what the response is about. Automated coding, on the other hand, uses text analytics software to assign codes to the data.

Qualitative coding can be either grounded or a priori). Grounded coding allows notable themes and patterns to emerge from the document themselves, while a priori coding requires the researcher to apply pre-existing theoretical frameworks to analyze the documents). Creating memos during the coding process is integral to both grounded and a priori coding approaches). Qualitative research is inherently reflexive, and it is important to chronicle the researchers own thought processes through reflective or methodological memos, as doing so may highlight their own subjective interpretations of data).

Coding qualitative data makes analysis more systematic and rigorous. It enables researchers to interpret, organize, and structure observations and interpretations into meaningful theories. Coding qualitative data also allows researchers to evaluate if their analysis represents their participant base and enables other researchers to methodically and systematically review their analysis.