The Array Cast Paul Teetor, Cooking with R
Aug 17, 2024
Paul Teetor, an expert in cooking and data analysis using R, shares intriguing insights into the evolution of R programming's journey from its origins at AT&T Bell Labs to its critical role in modern data analysis. He discusses the unique functionalities of array languages in R, comparing them with other programming languages like Python. The conversation also touches on navigating R's strengths, data structuring, and the importance of choosing the right programming language for specific tasks. Teetor highlights practical applications that enhance collaboration in team settings.
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R vs. Python
- A client used 50,000 lines of R code for tasks better suited to Python.
- Switching to Python significantly reduced the R codebase.
R's Genesis
- R's creators prioritized statistical computing and graphics, leading to its unique strengths and quirks.
- R's initial interpreter lacked variables, only using files, influencing R's naming conventions.
R Cookbook Origin
- Paul Teetor's "R Cookbook" stemmed from documenting R solutions for grad school assignments.
- Its success was partly due to the lack of good R documentation at the time.