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Data visualization experts: is R a good language to learn for doing visualizations or would something like Processing or javascript and D3 be a better choice?
by alecdbrooks 14y ago
Data visualization experts: is R a good language to learn for doing visualizations or would something like Processing or javascript and D3 be a better choice?
The article makes it clear that you can do nice visualizations in R, but not if it's the best option for someone getting started.
- hazexp 14y agoIt depends. For statistical graphics, it is hard to beat R simply because it has all of the statistical functionality built right in. Want an ACF plot for your ARMA model? No problem. To do this in D3 requires a lot more code. R also has the great package ggplot2, which is simply brilliant for constructing plots. Where D3 shines is the ability to add interactivity and animation to its plots. R simply has no concept of this as it is only really capable of static graphics. If you know neither system, I would probably suggest D3 because you're going to have to learn a graphics system anyway. With D3 at least you have the ability to construct more than just static graphics. Also, it's all JS so most people are going to find it easier to learn than R.
- tokipin 14y agoI would really recommend Mathematica if you can afford it ($300 for the home edition). I think the cost is the only reason Mathematica isn't the most commonly used data analysis software. http://www.wolfram.com/mathematica/features/graphics-and-visualization.html http://www.wolfram.com/mathematica/features/graphics-and-vis...