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Which is superior: Python or R?

Writer's picture: Sean CooperSean Cooper

Discover the key distinctions between these two open-source programming languages so you can select the best one for your needs.


You're probably familiar with the Python vs. R debate if you work in analytics or data science. Both languages help to bring the future to life through artificial intelligence, data-driven innovation, and machine learning, but they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.


In many ways, the two open-source languages are very similar. R is a statistical analysis language, whereas Python is a general-purpose programming language. Both languages are open source and free to use for data science tasks ranging from data manipulation and automation to business analysis and big data exploration. Nowadays, the question isn't so much which programming language to use as it is how to use both languages to meet your specific needs.


What exactly is Python?


Python is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that emphasizes code accessibility through extensive use of white space. The language was first made available in 1989. Python is a popular choice for developers and programmers because it is simple to learn. Python is one of the most well-known programming languages in the world, ranking third only to Java and C.


Many Python libraries can be used to help with data science tasks, such as the ones listed below:


  • Numpy is a tool for handling large dimension arrays

  • Pandas for manipulation of data and analysis

  • Matplotlib to build visualizations of data



Furthermore, Python is particularly well suited to large-scale Machine Learning deployments. Its suite of specialized deep learning and machine learning libraries includes programs such as sci-kit-learn Keras and TensorFlow, which enable data scientists to create sophisticated data models that connect directly to production systems.


Jupyter Notebooks are also an open-source web application that allows the creation of easily shareable documents. They include your existing Python code diagrams, equations, visualizations, and data science explanations.


R: What exactly is it?


R is an open-source language that was created specifically for statistical analysis and data visualization. It was founded in 1992. R is a robust ecosystem that includes sophisticated data reporting tools as well as complex data models. As of this writing, over 13,000 R applications were available for deep analysis via CRAN, the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN).


A favorite with data science scholars as well as researchers. R offers a wide selection of libraries and tools that can be used to:

  • Cleaning and cleaning data

  • Making visualizations

  • Evaluation and training of deep and machine learning algorithms


R is commonly utilized within RStudio, an integrative development environment (IDE) that simplifies statistical analysis, visualization, and reporting. R applications can be utilized directly and interactively on the web using Shiny.


R and Python differences: Data analysis goals:


The main distinction between the two languages is how they approach data science. While R is primarily used for statistical analysis, Python is a more general data management tool. Both languages have large communities that are constantly developing new tools and libraries.


Python is an all-purpose, multi-purpose language with a simple syntax that is similar to C++ and Java. Python can be used by programmers to perform data analysis and machine learning in production environments. You could, for example, use Python to incorporate facial recognition into your smartphone or develop a machine learning application.


On the other hand, R is built by statisticians and delved into statistical models and advanced analytics. Data scientists utilize R to perform deep statistical analysis and are supported by just two lines of code and stunning visualizations of data. For instance, you could employ R for analysis of customer behavior or research in genomics.


Other significant differences:


Python can collect data in a variety of formats, including CSV files, comma-separated values (CSV) documents, and JSON from the internet. SQL tables can also be added directly into Python code. The Python requests library allows you to quickly build datasets from internet data in order to develop web applications. R, on the other hand, is intended for data analysts who want to import data from Excel, CSV, or text files. Minitab or SPSS data frames can be converted to R data frames. While Python is more versatile in terms of obtaining data from the internet, modern R applications such as Rvest are designed to perform basic web scraping.


  • Explore data: In Python, you can explore data using Pandas, the data analysis library that comes with Python. You can filter, sort, sort, and display data in just minutes. R, however, on the contrary side, is designed to analyze statistically huge datasets. It also provides a variety of methods to analyze data. With R, it is possible to construct probability distributions, run various statistical tests and apply traditional machine learning and techniques for mining data.

  • The data modeling part: Python has standard libraries for data modeling, such as Numpy for modeling analysis using numerical computation, SciPy for scientific computing and calculations, and sci-kit-learn, which uses algorithmic machine learning. To perform specific modeling analysis with R, it's possible to depend on programs that aren't part of R's core functions. But the package set is called the Tidyverse to allow you to access, manipulate, visualize and analyze data.



  • Information Visualization: Although visualization isn't an area of strength in Python, you can use the Matplotlib library to create basic charts and graphs. In addition, it comes with the Seaborn library that lets you draw attractive and interesting statistical graphs using Python. But, R was built to illustrate the effects of statistical analysis. This is the basic graphics module, which allows users to create simple plots and charts. It is also possible to employ ggplot2 to create more sophisticated plots, including complex scatter plots using regression lines.



Which is better for you, Python or R?


The appropriate language will be determined by your specific situation. Consider the following suggestions:


Do you have any coding experience?


Python's simple syntax allows for a smooth and linear learning process. It is regarded as an excellent programming language for beginners. With R, even novices can complete data analyses in minutes. However, the complexity of R's sophisticated functions makes learning more difficult.


What tools do your colleagues use?


R is a statistical analysis tool used by non-programmers such as engineers, academics, and scientists. Python is a ready-to-use programming language that is used in a wide range of research, industrial, and engineering processes.


What are the problems you're attempting to solve?


R programming is ideal for learning statistics and comes with unrivaled libraries for exploring data and conducting experiments. Python is the best choice for machine learning and large-scale projects, particularly for data analysis in web-based applications.


What are the benefits of graphs and charts?


R applications are ideal for displaying your data with visually stunning graphics. Python applications, on the other hand, are easier to integrate into an engineering-related environment.


It is worth noting that many applications, such as Microsoft Machine Learning Server, support both R and Python. This is why the vast majority of organizations use both R and Python. The Python debate is far too vain. You could start with R for data analysis and then transition to Python when you're ready to launch some data-related products.



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