• Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
programming forums Java Mobile Certification Databases Caching Books Engineering Micro Controllers OS Languages Paradigms IDEs Build Tools Frameworks Application Servers Open Source This Site Careers Other Pie Elite all forums
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
Marshals:
  • Campbell Ritchie
  • Jeanne Boyarsky
  • Ron McLeod
  • Paul Clapham
  • Liutauras Vilda
Sheriffs:
  • paul wheaton
  • Rob Spoor
  • Devaka Cooray
Saloon Keepers:
  • Stephan van Hulst
  • Tim Holloway
  • Carey Brown
  • Frits Walraven
  • Tim Moores
Bartenders:
  • Mikalai Zaikin

R in Action - on prerequisites

 
Bartender
Posts: 1210
25
Android Python PHP C++ Java Linux
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hi Robert,

Congratulations for writing your book!

My questions:
1) What level of proficiency in statistical theories and techniques does your book expect a reader to have? Can somebody not in touch with statistics in their daily work follow your book, and if not, do you recommend any companion books on statistics that you think might help?

2) I notice this is the second edition. Have there been any extensive changes in the language or the domain in the last 4 years that motivated you to write a second edition?

 
author
Posts: 33
5
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hi Karthik,

I tried to write R in Action so that readers without a statistical background could read most of the chapters. There are a few advanced chapters in which a stats background will certainly help, but I still tried to make it readable.

I wrote the second edition for a couple of reasons. First, the R language really is evolving rapidly and their have been many changes. Second, there were topics that I wanted to add that I didn't get a chance to in the first edition.
In fact, I added many new chapters including

(1) working with time series data
(2) predictive analytics and machine learning
(3) a deeper dive into the R language for programmers
(4) writing your own R packages
(5) creating attractive dynamic reports using Markdown and LaTeX
(6) an extended discussion on visualizing data with ggplot2

I also added more information on working with big data in the Appendices.

Hope this helps.

Rob
 
Karthik Shiraly
Bartender
Posts: 1210
25
Android Python PHP C++ Java Linux
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hi Robert,

Thank you for the detailed reply.

I'm glad to see machine learning and big data covered, since I have deep personal interests there. I look forward to learning R with your book.
Wishing you great success with its sales!
 
Consider Paul's rocket mass heater.
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic