Generally,
open source refers to a computer program in which the source code is available to
the general public for use and/or modification from its original design (Wikipedia).
The best property of Open Source is it is free for public and enable consumer
to edit or create their own packages, at the same time it will push forward the
innovation of origin software. From the financial perspective, Open Source makes
the cost of customer fit the marginal cost of producer, which could highly
improve the market efficiency.
In
statistics field, R plays the role as significant as Java in computer area. R
is a software programming language and a software environment for statistical
computing and graphics (Wikipedia). With the power of Open Source, R is becoming
the most popular worldwide applied statistical language. It is widely used
among statisticians and data miners for developing statistical software and
data analysis. R could not only help academics to solve most challenging problems in fields ranging
from computational biology to quantitative finance, but also to train their
students in these fields. The most amazing part of R is it enable advanced user
to manipulate R objects directly with C, C++, or Java code.
Thanks for your post! It is simply and clear blog with nice picture.
ReplyDeleteI just have heard about R programming, but I didn't really now what it is. As you said R plays the role as significant as Java in computer area. However, there is someone told me that SASS is more popular one. Do you know what's difference between R and SASS? I remember SASS is not open source. Am I right?
How do you think about it? Which one is your favorite?
I am looking forward to your reply.
Hi, wenjing,
ReplyDeleteIt is a very interesting and informative post. I never used R. From your article, I know it is a powerful statistic programming language. SAS is the programming language which I am familiar with. I know it has expensive price. Since R is free and easy to use, I think more and more people will choose R. Are you worried about the security of R? Because any engineers can access and change the codes of open-source software including attackers, the arguments about their security are becoming hot.
Anyway, your post is very good. The image gives reader a clear clue: you are talking about R. I like it. Hopefully see your new post soon.