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Advanced R summary
Brief summary
Advanced R by Hadley Wickham is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of R programming. It covers advanced topics such as functional programming, object-oriented programming, and performance tuning, making it an essential resource for experienced R users.
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Table of Contents
Advanced R
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Fundamentals of R
In Advanced R by Hadley Wickham, we delve deep into the workings of R, a programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics. The book begins by introducing the basic building blocks of the language, including its data structures, functions, and control structures. Wickham emphasizes the importance of understanding these fundamentals in order to write efficient and effective R code.
He details the various types of data structures in R, such as vectors, matrices, lists, and data frames, and explains how they are manipulated and utilized in the language. The book also covers the concept of environments, which store objects and their associated names, and how they are used to manage the search path for variables.
Functional Programming and Object-Oriented Systems
Wickham then delves into functional programming, a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. He explains how R supports functional programming and demonstrates its benefits, such as more concise and readable code, and the ability to avoid side effects.
Next, the book explores the object-oriented systems in R, including S3, S4, and R6. These systems allow users to define their own classes and methods, providing a powerful way to organize and manipulate complex data structures. Wickham discusses the characteristics and appropriate use cases for each system, enabling readers to choose the best approach for their specific needs.
Metaprogramming and Debugging Techniques
After covering object-oriented programming, Advanced R moves on to metaprogramming, a technique for writing code that manipulates or generates other code as data. Wickham introduces the concept of expressions, quotes, and quasiquotation, and demonstrates how they can be used to build powerful and flexible functions.
The book also provides an in-depth discussion on debugging techniques in R. Wickham outlines strategies for finding and fixing errors in code, including the use of debugging tools and techniques for efficient error handling. He emphasizes the importance of writing defensive code that can handle unexpected situations gracefully.
Optimizing Performance and Advanced Topics
In the latter part of Advanced R, Wickham focuses on optimizing code performance. He discusses techniques for profiling and benchmarking R code, and offers advice on identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks. The book also covers advanced topics such as parallel computing and interfacing R with other languages, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of R's capabilities.
In conclusion, Advanced R by Hadley Wickham is a comprehensive guide for experienced R programmers seeking a deeper understanding of the language. By exploring fundamental concepts, advanced programming paradigms, and performance optimization techniques, the book equips readers with the knowledge and skills to write efficient, maintainable, and powerful R code.
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What is Advanced R about?
Advanced R by Hadley Wickham is a comprehensive guide that delves into the inner workings of the R programming language. It covers advanced topics such as functional programming, object-oriented programming, and metaprogramming, providing a deep understanding of how to write efficient and elegant code in R. With clear explanations and practical examples, this book is a valuable resource for intermediate to advanced R users.
Advanced R Review
Advanced R by Hadley Wickham (2014) is a comprehensive guide for those looking to deepen their understanding of R programming. Here's why this book is a valuable read:
- Offers advanced techniques and best practices for data manipulation and visualization, making it essential for mastering R programming.
- Provides insights into the inner workings of R, empowering readers to write efficient and elegant code for complex data analysis tasks.
- With a focus on practical examples and hands-on exercises, the book ensures a thorough understanding of R's capabilities, making learning both rewarding and engaging.
Who should read Advanced R?
Experienced R programmers who want to deepen their understanding of the language
Programmers proficient in other languages who want to understand what makes R different and special
Data scientists and analysts looking to improve their R programming skills
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Advanced R FAQs
What is the main message of Advanced R?
The main message of Advanced R is mastering the intricate details of R programming for advanced users.
How long does it take to read Advanced R?
Reading Advanced R takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time.
Is Advanced R a good book? Is it worth reading?
Advanced R is valuable for those seeking advanced skills in R programming. Worth reading for those wanting in-depth R knowledge.
Who is the author of Advanced R?
The author of Advanced R is Hadley Wickham.
What to read after Advanced R?
If you're wondering what to read next after Advanced R, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly