What is R

sharon marcus - updated on March 27, 2024 . 3 Min Read

Exploring the Evolution of Statistical Analysis Software: From Bell Labs’ S to Open-Source R

The journey of statistical analysis software has been transformative, beginning with Bell Labs in the United States, where the original package ‘S’ was developed. This powerful tool has evolved into what is now commonly known as ‘S-plus’, a commercial product offered by Insightful Corporation. In the realm of open-source alternatives, ‘R’ stands out as a notable implementation of ‘S’. Unlike its commercial counterpart, ‘R’ is distinguished by its command-line interface, catering to a different user experience.

Understanding Open-Source Software

Open-source software diverges from the traditional commercial model exemplified by suites like Microsoft Office. It is not the product of a single corporate entity but is developed through the collaborative efforts of volunteer programmers. This collective approach to software development ensures that the resulting products, such as ‘R’, are available at no cost. The term ‘open-source’ signifies transparency and adaptability, allowing users to access, modify, and redistribute the source code, provided they adhere to the stipulations of the open-source license.

The Core Development Team Behind R

The ongoing enhancement of ‘R’ is primarily driven by the Core Development Team, a group of dedicated contributors whose efforts sustain and advance the software’s capabilities.

Unlocking Advanced Statistical Analysis with R: The Open-Source Powerhouse

R is not just a statistical analysis tool; it’s a robust programming language that offers a comprehensive suite of facilities for advanced data examination. Its open-source nature ensures that as statistical methodologies evolve, R swiftly integrates these innovations through freely available packages

R’s Comprehensive Capabilities

Whether you’re delving into Generalized Linear Models, exploring Generalized Additive Models, or navigating the complexities of Linear and Non-Linear Mixed Models, R is equipped to handle analyses that challenge the limits of many other statistical packages. Its growing use in biological research, particularly in whole-organism studies, underscores its versatility and depth.

Expanding Graphical Horizons">

R’s base graphics system is just the beginning. Numerous additional packages offer new systems and styles for data representation, broadening the possibilities for creative and informative visualizations.

Accessing R and Its Resources

R is readily accessible for download, accompanied by a wealth of documentation to support users across various operating systems. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, R’s installation process is streamlined for your convenience. Use this links to download R you can also download rstudio

R user interface
r user inteface
R-studio user interface
r-studio user interface