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I use Python whenever I can, but R has loads and loads of statistical libraries that Pyrhon doesn’t. It is not even close.
by zwaps 6y ago
I use Python whenever I can, but R has loads and loads of statistical libraries that Pyrhon doesn’t. It is not even close.
- free2OSS 6y agoWhat kind of stat problems? Also I used to love Python... Until I got a full time job and learned why static typing exists.
- zwaps 6y agoAny sort of statistical or econometric estimator is typically published as an R package. So for example, I recently saw a paper with a quite complex estimator based on dynamic panels and network (or spacial) interdependence that could identify missing network ties. For that, an R package exists. If you want to use it in Python, you'd have to replicate a whole estimation infrastructure yourself, starting by extending the basic models in statsmodels. That example is quite typical in my opinion. Like I said, really like to code in Python and I don't like R all that much. But if someone says: "Why would you use R, Python is better", then we can confidently say the person does not know what R is actually used for.
- Emphere 6y agoYeah, basically this. I assume HN has a higher number of people who work in ML jobs in fields like finance etc. If you're working in any sort of social/public health research, then most new methods seem to be implemented as R packages. I'm thinking of things like new methods for propensity score, sequential trial designs etc. Also seems to be the preferred language on the Stats Stack Exchange posts.