R vs Python for Data Science | Which Should You Learn?

Shankar D.K 23 Jan, 2024 • 5 min read

Choosing between R vs Python for data science is like picking superheroes for your tech adventure. R is great at stats, while Python is good at many things. R is like a hero for deep data thinking, and Python is like a hero for making things easy. Let’s see which one is better for your job!

This article was published as a part of the Data Science Blogathon.

R vs Python: Why This Controversy?

In general, both Python and R are the topmost preferred programming languages for Data Science learners right from the beginners to the professional level. Both the programming languages have considerable similarities in producing efficient results.

  • Both were created around the early 1990s
  • Since they are open source programming languages, anyone can easily download and access them free of cost.
  • They have a lot of libraries and special algorithmic functions to work and solve the data science and data analytics problems
  • As with other data analytics tools like SAS, SPSS, MATLAB they do not restrict the users in terms of cost as well as complexity in solving problems.
  • Both of them providing a user-friendly working experience that is easily understanding and recognizing even by the non-programmer
  • A lot of new inventions and improvements happening frequently in both the tools to handle the problems in the areas of Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Artificial intelligence, and much more

Hence it looks like none is lower than the other and this is the reason for the controversy of R vs Python. Just have a look, in brief, to understand this better.

Why Choose Python?

Python was first released in 1991 and designed initially by Guido van Rossum. Since it is an object-oriented programming language also called a general-purpose programming language that comes out with a philosophy that emphasizes code readability with efficiency.

If the programmers and the people from the technical environment want to excel in their data science passion by tackling the math and statistical concepts, python will be the best partner in supporting those situations. Hence this is the most preferable and favorite programming language for most Data Science learners.

It has dedicated special libraries for Machine Learning and Deep Learning as well are listed in its library packages index called PyPI. And the documentation for those libraries is also available in the Python Documentation format on its official site.

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Why Choose R?

Ross Ihaka and Robert Gentleman were the initial creators of R. It was initially released in 1993 an implementation of the S programming language. The purpose behind the creation of this programming language is to produce effective results in Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, and Visualisation.

It has the richest environment to perform data analysis techniques. As with python, it has around 13000 library packages in Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) used especially for deep analytics.

It is most popular among scholars and researchers. The most available number of projects made in R almost comes under research criteria only. It is commonly used in its own integrated development environment (IDE) called R Studio for a better and user-friendly experience.

How to Make a Better Choice Between R and Python?

The reasons for opting for a particular language are almost common in general for both Python and R. So it is needed to be wiser while picking a programming language between these two. Consider your nature of the domain and your flavor of preference while selecting one within R and Python.

If the nature of your work deals with more codes in general and with less scope of research then prefer Python, if your purpose of work involves research and conceptual processes then choose R. Python is the programmer’s language where R is the language of academicians and researchers.

Everything is based on your interests and the passion behind them. While python codes are easy to understand and capable to do more data science tasks in general. On the other hand, R codes are in the basic academic language, easy to learn, and the best effective tool for Data Analytics tool in visualization.

Also Read: 14 Exciting Python Project Ideas for Beginners

Key Differences

FeatureRPython
PurposeVery popular in academia, research, finance, and data scienceWell-suited for data science, web development, software development, and gaming
First Release19931991
Type of LanguageGeneral-purpose programming languageGeneral-purpose programming language
Open Source?YesYes
EcosystemNearly 19,000 packages available in CRAN+300,000 available packages in PyPi
Ease of LearningEasier to learn initially, but can be challenging with advanced functionalitiesBeginner-friendly language with English-like syntax
IDERStudio – Organized interface showing graphs, data tables, R code, and output simultaneouslyJupyter Notebooks, JupyterLab, and Spyder
Popular Libraries Pandas      : for manipulating data
Numpy       : for Scientific computing Matplotlib  : to make graphics
Scikit-learn: Machine Learning
dplyr     : for manipulating data
string    : to manipulate strings
ggplot2 : to make graphics
caret      : Machine Learning

Python vs R: Advantages

PythonR
Excellent for general-purpose applicationsWidely used for statistical computing
Best in class for computation and code readabilityStrong in handling statistical computations
Best functionalities and packages for DL and NLPStrong capabilities in these domains
Attracts diverse user baseCollaborative environment for data analysts
Working in a notebook is simple and shareableFamiliar environment for data analysis workflows
Best language for producing graphs and visualizationStrong emphasis on visualization
Large number of packages for data analysisEfficient packages for handling data analysis
Good functionalities and packages for time-series dataStrong capabilities in time-series analysis
Rich ecosystem with cutting-edge packagesActive community support and package development
Simplifies complex statistical conceptsProficient in handling complex statistical concepts

R vs Python: Disadvantages

PythonR
Not as many alternatives as R providesHas a considerable number of alternatives
Poor in visualization compared to RStrong in visualization capabilities
Fewer packages make it challenging for beginnersMore packages may aid understanding for non-experts
Generally faster processingComparatively slow due to poor codes
Smaller package pool speeds up selectionLarge number of packages can slow down decision-making
Not the best choice for deep learning and NLPStronger in deep learning and NLP capabilities

What to Use?

Usage is purely based upon the user’s need. When speaking about python, it is the most efficient tool for doing Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Science, and Deployment needs. But still, it has notable libraries for maths, statistics, time series, etc, it often fails to show that much efficiency for business analysis, econometrics, research kind of needs. It is the production-ready language because it has the capability to integrate all our workflow as a single tool.

When speaking about R, it is the best tool for doing statistical analysis and research needs with better accuracy. Most of the packages in this programming language were created by academicians and researchers is the added advantage. Hence it has the capability to fulfill the needs of statisticians much quicker than the needs of people from computer science backgrounds. Although it has the best communication libraries for data science as well as machine learning. Undoubtedly it is one step higher than python in Exploratory Data Analysis and visualization.

Conclusion

Both the programming languages have similar pros and cons in general. Apart from all other things, the best one between Python and R is based on some of the following points in consideration only

  • What is the theme of your work?
  • What about your colleagues’ programming knowledge?
  • What is the time period of your work?
  • And finally your area of interest?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Is it better to use R or Python?

A. Python is often preferred for its versatility, extensive libraries, and broader community support, making it a better choice for general-purpose programming and data science.

Q2. Is R language dying?

A. While facing competition, R isn’t dying. It maintains significance in statistical computing and specialized areas, but Python’s popularity has grown in diverse domains.

Q3. Will Python replace R?

A. Python is gradually replacing R in many data science applications due to its versatility and ecosystem. However, R will likely persist in specialized statistical and research domains.

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Shankar D.K 23 Jan 2024

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