Python vs. R In Data Science & Machine Learning

Ashley Mangtani
5 min readSep 30, 2022

Python has become the go-to language for data science and machine learning. It’s because it offers a wide range of tools for building data pipelines, visualizing data, and creating interactive dashboards that are both smart and intuitive.

R is another programming language that has become immensely popular over the last decade. It was initially designed for statistical computing, but today it is also used for data science and machine learning.

Let’s dive in and look at the difference between the two popular programming languages in machine learning and data science.

R or Python?

Both languages offer similar capabilities but differ in syntax, libraries, and community support. For example, R has many packages for data science, machine learning, and statistics, whereas Python offers fewer options.

R is a bit more challenging to learn than Python, but it’s also much more potent once you’ve grasped it. On the other hand, Python is easier to pick up, but it doesn’t offer quite the same level of power.

Both languages offer similar features and tools for data scientists. The main differences between them are in terms of syntax and community support. R, for example, has a large user base and is used by many industry leaders, but it lacks some of the best practices and standards found in Python. On the other hand, Python has a smaller user base and less industry adoption, but its community is snowballing.

Data Analysis: R or Python?

The choice between R and Python depends on what kind of data scientist you want to become. R is hands down the best option if your focus is on statistics and probabilities. It has a large community of statisticians who will be able to answer all your questions. But, if you want to develop applications that process enormous amounts of data, then Python will be your best option. It has a more extensive ecosystem of developers, and it’s easier to find people willing to collaborate with you.

How Different is Python from R language?

The main differences between Python and R:

1. Python is object-oriented, whereas R is procedural.

2. R has many packages which you can install easily. In contrast, python does not have any package management system.

3. Python is interpreted, whereas R is compiled. This means that Python code runs at runtime, whereas R code is compiled into machine instructions before execution.

Is Python Similar to R in Syntax?

Yes, but not strictly. The two languages have some similarities, but they are very different.

For example, Python has classes, which are like objects in Java or C++, whereas R uses vectors, matrices, and arrays. Python also has many built-in functions, whereas R has only a few.

It's also worth noting that Python is object-oriented, meaning that objects can be created and manipulated using functions, making it easier to write code that works together.

Should I Learn R or Python If I Want To Be A Data Scientist?

Choosing between R and Python depends largely on the kind of programming knowledge you already have. If you’ve never programmed before, you should probably start with Python. It has a simple syntax and is easy to pick up. But, if you’re familiar with Java, C++, or another language like those, you might find R easier to grasp.

Both languages are excellent choices for aspiring data scientists. The choice between them also depends on what type of data science you want to pursue. If you want to focus on machine learning (ML), R offers a range of options to optimize your experience. Or, if you want to become an Excel wizz, then Python will help you read and work with all types of data.

Is Python Dood for Machine Learning?

Python has become one of the most popular languages for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) development because it provides a simple syntax, an extensive library ecosystem, and a vibrant community. It’s easy to pick up and learn, and many developers find it more reflexive. The language is highly versatile, and its standard library includes modules for everything from image processing to natural language processing.

Machine learning is one of the most popular applications for Python. It has become the new standard for many companies because it allows them to build solutions quickly without investing in costly infrastructure. The availability of libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras, and others makes it easy to start building models from scratch.

Is R Good for Machine Learning?

Machine learning is one of the most exciting fields in computer science right now. The ability to build intelligent systems from scratch using algorithms has enormous potential to transform industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation.

However, it requires a lot of programming knowledge and skills. It is not easy to find people who know both statistics and programming well enough to build applicable models.

R provides a great environment for doing this kind of work. It’s free, widely used, and has a vibrant community.

How is Python Used in AI?

The field of artificial intelligence has grown exponentially since its inception in the 1950s. It now encompasses a wide range of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, speech recognition, robotics, and autonomous systems. Python is used by many researchers working in this area because of its ease of use, extensive library of modules, and powerful tools for developing applications.

The most common way to use Python in AI is through machine learning. This involves training computers to recognize patterns in large amounts of data. It’s used in everything from image recognition to speech processing.

How is R used in AI?

The best use case for R in AI is also in its ability to perform machine learning tasks. This includes things like image recognition, speech recognition, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and many others. It can also be used to build predictive models called “supervised learning.”

The R language has become popular because it allows researchers to easily combine different machine learning techniques into a single program. It also provides a simple way to share code between researchers.

So, there you have it! We’ve cleared up the main differences between Python & R in data science and machine learning.

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Ashley Mangtani

SEO & Technical Copywriter specializing in B2B, SaaS, & Digital Transformation. Currently writing for WalkMe.