Ross Ihaka and Robert Gentleman are two computer scientists who are known for their significant contributions to the field of data analysis and statistical computing. In 1993, they developed a programming language called "R" while working at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. R has since become a widely used and popular tool among data analysts and statisticians, due to its powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface.
One of the main reasons why R is so popular among data scientists and statisticians is because of its wide range of statistical and graphical functions. It's also great for handling large amounts of data. Whether you're analyzing data, developing statistical models, or conducting simulations, R has you covered. In addition to its capabilities for statistical analysis and data visualization, R is also widely used for machine learning and reproducible research. With its rich ecosystem of packages, R allows users to build and train machine learning models on large datasets, and share their code and data to allow others to replicate and build upon their work.
But R isn't just used in the world of statistics and data science. It's also a valuable tool in fields like finance, healthcare, marketing, and the social sciences. In finance, R is used for risk management, portfolio optimization, and statistical arbitrage. In healthcare, it's used for data analysis, visualization, and developing predictive models and decision support systems. In marketing, R is used for customer segmentation, predictive modeling, and data visualization, as well as for A/B testing and analyzing customer behavior. And in the social sciences, R is used for statistical analysis, data visualization, and developing predictive models and conducting simulations.
Impact of R
R has had a significant impact on the field of data science and has become a popular choice for many data analysts and scientists due to its flexibility and power. It is widely used in both academia and industry, and is often used in conjunction with other tools such as Python and SQL.
Here are a few examples of what R has allowed us to do:
- Data visualization: R has a number of powerful packages for creating high-quality plots and charts, such as ggplot2, lattice, and plotly. These packages allow us to easily visualize and explore data, and create clear and effective graphics for presentations and reports.
- Statistical analysis: R is well-suited for statistical analysis, with a wide range of functions and packages for tasks such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA. This makes it an important tool for data-driven decision making and scientific research.
- Machine learning: R has a number of packages for machine learning tasks such as classification, clustering, and prediction. These packages allow us to build and train models on large datasets, and use these models to make predictions or classify new data.
- Reproducible research: R's ability to create reproducible analyses has made it a popular choice for scientific research. With R, researchers can easily share their code and data, allowing others to replicate and build upon their work.
R is an incredible programming language that has significantly impacted the field of data science. It has been used by a wide range of people and projects to achieve incredible things, and it is truly inspiring to see the ways in which R has been utilized to make a positive difference in the world.
One project that comes to mind when considering R's impact is the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 dashboard. Led by Dr. Linda Liu and Dr. Elizabeth Eggleston, this project developed an interactive dashboard that tracks and visualizes COVID-19 data from around the world. This dashboard, which is powered by R and Shiny, has been an invaluable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the general public as we navigate the ongoing pandemic. It has allowed us to better understand the spread and impact of COVID-19 and has helped inform decision-making at all levels(1).
The Human Genome Project
Another example of the power of R is the Human Genome Project, an international research project that Francis Collins and NIH completed in 2003. This project used R to analyze and interpret the vast amounts of data generated by the project, and its findings have had a significant impact on the field of genetics. The project's insights have paved the way for further research into the genetic basis of disease and have the potential to improve our understanding of the human body and our ability to treat and prevent a wide range of medical conditions(2).
And who doesn't love a good recommendation from Netflix? The company's recommendation system, which uses machine learning algorithms to suggest TV shows and movies to its users based on their viewing history, relies on R to analyze and interpret data about users' viewing habits. This system has helped make it easier for us to find new shows and movies to watch and has helped Netflix become one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world(3).
These are just a few examples of the many people and projects using R to impact positively. From tracking the spread of disease to helping us find our next favorite show, R has proven to be a powerful and versatile tool that has made a difference in our lives. It is truly amazing to see how R has been used to achieve such incredible things, and I am excited to see what the future holds for this amazing programming language. While many people may already be familiar with R and its capabilities, it is still important to bring awareness to the language and its many applications. Overall, R is an essential tool for anyone working with data, and its importance cannot be overstated. Whether you are a seasoned R user or just getting started, there is always more to learn and discover about this powerful programming language.
1.https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
2.https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project
3.https://towardsdatascience.com/deep-dive-into-netflixs-recommender-system-341806ae3b48
