| R is
a free software in the GNU-concept. In this case this means
that a community of statisticians maintain the code and continuously
update the programme on a voluntary basis. The programme is
not easy but is extremely flexible
(statisticians can write and adjust to fit their own specific
wishes); adequate for professional statistics and follows the trends
in modern statistics. Matrix calculations are possible. Bugs are
fixed immediately after discovery. The approach is strictly object
oriented (Scheme inspired): everthing is an object: data, matrices,
results, functions etc with "properties" and "methods" and is
classified in "classes" . Programming of own functions and
procedures is possible.
R is similar to the commercially available S-plus. Last programme has a
better user-interface and graphing, but these features come with a
price-tag as in other professional packages. In terms of
statistical capabilities R is often more advanced as statisticians
can write their own analysis methods and distribute it freely to
colleagues.
|