Foreword

If you’re a beginning data scientist, or want to be one, Practical Data Science with R (PDSwR) is the place to start. If you’re already doing data science, PDSwR will fill in gaps in your knowledge and even give you a fresh look at tools you use on a daily basis—it did for me.

While there are many excellent books on statistics and modeling with R, and a few good management books on applying data science in your organization, this book is unique in that it combines solid technical content with practical, down-to-earth advice on how to practice the craft. I would expect no less from Nina and John.

I first met John when he presented at an early Bay Area R Users Group about his joys and frustrations with R. Since then, Nina, John, and I have collaborated on a couple of projects for my former employer. And John has presented early ideas from PDSwR—both to the “big” group and our Berkeley R-Beginners meetup. Based on his experience as a practicing data scientist, John is outspoken and has strong views about how to do things. PDSwR reflects Nina and John’s definite views on how to do data science—what tools to use, the process to follow, the important methods, and the importance of interpersonal communications. There are no ambiguities in PDSwR.