The Basics of S-PLUS (Statistics and Computing)

This book explains the basics of S-PLUS in a clear style at a level suitable for people with little computing or statistical knowledge. Unlike the S-PLUS manuals, it is not comprehensive, but instead introduces the most important ideas of S-PLUS through the use of many examples. Each chapter also includes a collection of exercises that are accompanied by fully worked-out solutions and detailed comments. The volume is rounded off with practical hints on how efficient work can be performed in S-PLUS. The book is well suited for self-study and as a textbook. The third edition is based on S-PLUS Version 6 for Windows and Unix and has been completely updated. It covers the underlying S Version 4 and the graphical user interfaces for Windows and Unix. A new section of the details of factor objects has been added, Trellis graphs are used in more depth, and new exercises (and solutions) were written. The book serves equally well as an introduction to the R system, and concludes with a comparison of S-PLUS and R.

This book explains the basics of S-PLUS in a clear style at a level suitable for people with little computing or statistical knowledge. Unlike the manuals, it is not comprehensive, but instead introduces the most important ideas of S-PLUS and R, its companion in implementing the S language.

The authors take the reader on a journey into the world of interactive computing, data exploration, and statistical analysis. They explain how to approach data sets and teach the corresponding S-PLUS commands.

A collection of exercises summarizes the main ideas of each chapter. The exercises are accompanied by solutions that are worked out in full detail, and the code is ready to use and to be modified.

The volume is rounded off with practical hints on how efficient work can be performed in S-PLUS, for example by pointing out how to set up a good working environment and how to integrate S-PLUS with office products.

The book is well suited for self-study and as a textbook. It serves as an introduction to S-PLUS as well as R. A separate chapter points out the major differences between R and S-PLUS.

Over the last editions, the book has been updated to cover important changes like the inclusion of S Language Version 4, Trellis graphics, a graphical user interface, and many useful tips and tricks. The fourth edition is based on S-PLUS Version 7.0 for Windows and UNIX and has been updated and revised accordingly.