> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://datalab-docs.datacamp.com/work/code-cell.md).

# Code cell

Use a code cell to write, run and inspect code and add it to your notebook.

### Writing code

* Write code like you would do in any other coding environment!
* You will get code suggestions while you type, so you don't have to type long function or variables names in full.

### Running code

To run code:

* Use "Run" in the cell menu or `Ctrl` + `Enter` to run the currently active code cell.
* Use `Shift` + `Enter` to run the currently active code cell and make the next cell in the notebook active.

#### Code cell status

There is a 'stoplight' dot on the top-right hand side of your workbook with different states:

![](https://4179539225-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MZqboFGZzD87nn7oPsm%2Fuploads%2FJuz0qYNV5HUkZuTkEhWp%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=71ab2789-3921-47c3-b1cc-fe8410931942) 

The cell successfully ran, and the code in the cell hasn't changed since.

![](https://4179539225-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MZqboFGZzD87nn7oPsm%2Fuploads%2FzsfgfpoJxseF32z5MCzj%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=2c2a7cad-9380-44b6-89b8-ef911e2cb45c)

The cell successfully ran before, but since then the code has changed, so the cell output may be stale.

![](https://4179539225-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MZqboFGZzD87nn7oPsm%2Fuploads%2FazSnOgvLR8rlpOz9wmJt%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=84d346a5-8754-4a1d-8f25-b1ff41d15c8d)

The code cell is in the process of (re)running

![](https://4179539225-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MZqboFGZzD87nn7oPsm%2Fuploads%2FbJoaUYh4iHa4WjiE0xEy%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=099de53a-ea88-40df-b6cc-9ddc164aade2)

The cell failed to execute successfully because of an error.

### Inspect results

* If your code prints out text, data frames or charts, these will appear below the code cell.
* If your code generates several printouts, these will appear below the code cell one after the other.

### Workbook language = code cell language

If you're in a Python workbook, you can only write Python code; if you're in an R workbook, you can write only Python code. If you want to work with the other language, you have to create a new workbook in that language.


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