What is R?

R is an open source implementation of S, a programming environment for data analysis and graphics.

• It is a data analysis software,
• A programming language,
• An environment for statistical analysis,
• It’s open-source,
• It’s a community!

Why learn R?

• More analytical methods: >6,000 packages extending R’s capabilities; >1,000 packages available from the BioConductor Project. Many new developments in statistics appear first as R package,
• More flexible in the type of data it can analyze,
• Powerful; full matrix capabilities similar to MATLAB.

Open

• R’s procedures (functions) are open: you can have a look under the hood and modify them,
• Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix).

Integration and Communication

• Graphics capabilities, publication-level quality,
• Connect easily with other programming languages,
• Integration with document publishing, through LaTeX or Markdown.

And it’s free!

To Learn More

The R Project