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Chapter 11: R - The Future In Data
Analysis Software
Technology is essential when it comes to analyzing data, so much so that it
is standard to use computers for data analysis. To have a computer is a great
start but it is no use without being coupled with the appropriate software.
Not only do you need special software but you also have to be able to know
how to use it in order to be able to carry out great data analysis. The most
widely used piece of data analysis software is R, it is one of the most
powerful software programs available for data analysis. R is not only
entirely free to use but it is also open-source meaning that the code can be
changed by programmers if they feel it is appropriate. R operates differently
to many of the software programs we use on a regular basis, this is because
R is command-line oriented meaning it requires lines of complex code to be
entered in order to instruct and control the software to complete the jobs.
This software requires the user to have knowledge in the field before they
can use it to its full potential, Microsoft Excel seems like child's play
compared to R which is a much more powerful software. R is a
programming language, meaning it is essential that you understand your
data before you can write code to analyze it. It takes time to learn the
complete syntax and commands of the R software but once you had got to
grips with it you will find your data analysis is a great deal more thorough
than previous data analysis. It takes a few simple steps to have R
downloaded and installed onto a computer, however it is not currently
available for tablets or smartphones. Downloading and installing is
straightforward, it is learning how to use the software that will take some
time but once you’ve mastered it you’ll notice the difference.
When you open R, it will have an empty screen (excluding the about
information, etc.) with a command prompt. This means the software is
ready for instructions. It begins with the command prompt being introduced
by the > sign, and then you enter the commands needed followed by the
enter key and the code will be sent to R for processing. If the instructions
are typed correctly you will receive the result of the entered instructions in
the next line. You can test it by typing simple instructions such as 2+2 and
when you press enter R will respond with 4 in answer to your request. This
is a very basic example, R is capable of analyzing extremely complex data
and it has a lot of potential, especially regarding big data analysis.
Is R A Good Choice?
R combines data analysis with a programming language, unlike many of the
currently available software which are applicative software. At first glance
there may seem to be little difference between R and other online analytical
software but when you look closer there is a significant distinctness
between them. With the standard data analysis package you will be able to
perform only certain fixed actions whereas when you are using
programming language such as R you can continuously specify new tasks to
complete. This means the sky's the limit and you are able to process your
data and write a code in the way you want to. This is ideal for an
experienced programmer who has knowledge of coding but there are also
packages available for the less experienced programmer that enables pre-
determined analysis of data without the need for writing complex code.
These packages allow you to analyze data, make adjustments and run
various possibilities. For programmers, R is a very enjoyable piece of
software as it allows you to use your knowledge and skills. Especially due
to it being an open-source programming language so you can alter and even
reprogram it all together. It is complex but it is doable and many companies
do make adjustments to R based on their needs.
Types of Data Analysis Available with R
R allows you to run any type of data analysis, you can write code to analyze
data in a unique way if that is what you want to do. The openness and
opportunities of R are what make it so brilliant. If you have the knowledge
to do it, you can write whatever code you want. For the common data
analysis there are packages available that allow you to do it without needing
to write the code yourself, this is great for saving time rather than coding
something that is already available. You can run very simple functions
using R such as basic addition or subtraction, you can also find statistical
values such as median or mean just as easily. Using R you will be able to
easily access these values, regardless of the amount of data you have it will
be straightforward and quick to access the information, this is essential for
any statistical analysis. You can build up from the basic data to more
complex data analysis (R has been used to complete some of the most
complex data analysis). The process can be simplified by running many
functions at once to crunch the data in ways that are significant and detailed
in order to give you a large amount of information in a very short amount of
time.
Is There Other Programming Language Available?
R is not the only available programming language, there are others such as
Python, that can also be used for data analysis.
The majority of the other available languages are easier to learn meaning
you can take advantage of them more quickly, however this comes with less
flexibility which is an area that R is so renowned in. The time that goes into
learning to use R pays off with the flexibility of statistical analysis, meaning
R is, for many, the best analytical programming language available.
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