The Basics of S-PLUS (Statistics and Computing)

Thisisnowthefourtheditionof“TheBasicsofS-Plus”since1997.S-Plus saw a steady growth in popularity, and it established itself in many edu- tional and business places as a major data analysis tool.S-Plus is valued for its modern, interactive data analysis environment, whether it is the p- mary system or a complement to other standards like SAS (the latter is in particular true for the industry we work in, pharmaceuticals). We have followed the various releases with new editions of our book, introducing over time major changes like the incorporation of S Version 4 (the underlying language), Trellis graphs, a graphical user interface, in particular for the Windows operating system, and a chapter on R and its di?erencestoS-Plus(thatareminorforthematerialcoveredinthisbook). Thiseditionisanupdatefromedition3tocovernewfunctionsandfeatures ofS-Plus Version 7.0 (working from the beta release for MS Windows and Linux), adding more practical tips and examples, and correcting a few mistakes. We are very grateful to all our readers, in particular those sending us suggestions, comments, and any other kind of feedback. You will see some of these re?ected in the book.

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.