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Even after learning python, pandas, and SQL I still find myself firing up Excel first when exploring a new problem. The interface is incredibly simple for past

by bshipp 7y ago

Even after learning python, pandas, and SQL I still find myself firing up Excel first when exploring a new problem. The interface is incredibly simple for pasting, manipulating, and visualizing data. The warts really only start appearing when you try to build business applications on top of it and shortcomings with data integrity (amongst other issues) begin creeping in. But as a sketchpad for handling a problem? Excel is pretty hard to beat.

avmich 7y ago
> But as a sketchpad for handling a problem? Excel is pretty hard to beat. I'd recommend trying J. Download here - https://code.jsoftware.com/wiki/System/Installation#Installation https://code.jsoftware.com/wiki/System/Installation#Installa... . There is, of course, the famous barrier to entry, but the result, unsurprisingly, is also respectable.
- bshipp 7y ago
  Thanks for the recommendation! I've honestly never heard of J and I'll take a look at it.
  - avmich 7y ago
    To understand what's going on I'd recommend "J for C programmers" (see links on Jsoftware site) and also the mailing list - it could be very helpful.
samvher 7y ago
I also avoid pandas for simple stuff. But rather than using Excel I use dplyr and other R tidyverse packages. I think pandas is a little bit more powerful but I find R much easier to use (easier than Excel when you get used to it).