For loops in R can lose class information
Did you know R‘s for() loop control structure drops class annotations from vectors?
sample(): “Monkey’s Paw” style programming in R
The R functions base::sample and base::sample.int are functions that include extra “conveniences” that seem to have no purpose beyond encouraging grave errors. In this note we will outline the problem and a suggested work around. Obviously the R developers are highly skilled people with good intent, and likely have no […]
What can be in an R data.frame column?
As an R programmer have you every wondered what can be in a data.frame column?
Check your return types when modeling in R
Just a warning: double check your return types in R, especially when using different modeling packages.
Factors are not first-class citizens in R
The primary user-facing data types in the R statistical computing environment behave as vectors. That is: one dimensional arrays of scalar values that have a nice operational algebra. There are additional types (lists, data frames, matrices, environments, and so-on) but the most common data types are vectors. In fact vectors […]
R annoyances
Readers returning to our blog will know that Win-Vector LLC is fairly “pro-R.” You can take that to mean “in favor or R” or “professionally using R” (both statements are true). Some days we really don’t feel that way.