Python vs R in data science

Question

I wonder what you guys have to say about R vs Python in data science. A teacher currently told me that I should learn R cause that's what data scientists mainly use. He said I could learn python later, but first I need to know R. Do you agree?

Answer 1

I would suggest to start with Python since it mostly has (through Pandas and Numpy) whatever R has for data science and a lot more for everything else. Python is beautiful language and very useful in almost every field which is not the case with R language. Python is also better suited for Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer vision, Natural language processing, Web Apps programming, etc... while R mainly remains confined to Statistical Analysis at which it is still unbeatable.

Answer 2

R is more prevalent in academics. Both are desirable otherwise, although in my experience Python is a bit more marketable.

Answer 3

anyone?

Answer 4

I agree with Anis. I learned R because my grad program used it. Go with Python of starting from scratch, but don't have a panic attack if you went with R instead.

Answer 5

It depends on your mentor really... some would recommend R before python vice-versa. I learnt R and now learning python, it makes learning python easier for me. Learning R could be sufficient but due to marketability its better u learn both. Python is for today but R capabilities still remains a future resource.

Answer 6

thanks for the useful feedback guys!