Thanks to all who have replied to this. I find the advice very encouraging. I've been reading the recommended links on Sweave and I think it will answer a major part of my goals.
As for Perl vs. Python, I don't know which would be best. I've started out in Perl because someone got me started with a little Perl program, but I've looked at Python, too. I'm working in Windows (and that's not likely to change anytime soon--at the office, anyway) and I think WinEdt serves as a good enhanced editor for the main applications--LaTex, R and Perl--as well as a way to organize the files for a project. The GUI for Pyton seems nice, too, though. Saghir, why do you prefer Python? Is there a fairly easy way to become SAS-free for data management and cleaning? I'm told R is really not ideal for data cleaning. Is this what RODBC is about? Tanya >===== Original Message From "Bashir Saghir (Aztek Global)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ===== >Dear Tanya, > >Have you considered using Python (www.python.org) instead of Perl? I use >Python, LaTeX, and R for doing what you describe. My process is evolving and >cannot recommend it as being the best. Essentially I am moving towards a >database approach currently using dictionaries in Python. In the longer term >I plan to switch to MySQL. > >In summary I split the problem into bits that link into a relational >database and use meta data to run my reports. So once the data base is set >up I only need to give the key information and my programs find all relevant >information in the database meaning that I never need to modify any programs >to run a report with new data - just the database. > >I don't know of any references for this bnut if you get any to your original >query I would be interested. > >Best regards, >Saghir > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Tanya Murphy [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Sent: Friday, 28 March, 2003 5:42 PM >> To: r-help >> Subject: [R] Statistical computing >> >> Hello, >> >> I've been trying to familiarize myself with the computing tools of the >> trade >> (e.g. SAS, R, Perl, LaTex) and I've been getting somewhere with the >> individual >> programs, but I'm trying to get a better sense of how to integrate these >> tools. I'd like to use scripts and create reports in a more organized way. >> Can >> anyone recommend books or, better yet free online articles, on this topic? >> >> Maybe I should be a little more specific about what I do: I'm a research >> assistant in clinical epidemiology doing mainly data management and >> analysis. >> I do a number of repetitive tasks like updating a research database from >> the >> original clinic database and other sources, create reports, create >> graphical >> output for individual patients, as well as work on individual research >> projects. Unfortunately I am not working closely with 'real' statisticians >> who >> have probably developped good work habits using these tools. Any advice on >> >> 'the big picture' would be greatly appreciated. >> >> Thanks! >> >> Tanya Murphy >> ______________________________________________ [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailing list https://www.stat.math.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-help
