Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The digital age has ushered in a new era of software programs and applications designed to support research. While many of these tools have become commonplace for researchers, tools designed to support qualitative data analysis remain a source of questions regarding their impact, value, and unique affordances for both novice and established qualitative scholars. Also known as computer‐assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) or qualitative data analysis software (QDAS), these computer programs are designed to assist researchers as they engage in the process of carrying out qualitative data analysis. This entry provides an overview of the affordances of these tools, including an overview of recent developments and their potential to allow researchers to work digitally with qualitative data to enhance the efficiency and validity of the analytical process and its research outcomes.</jats:p>