Data Science Programming All-in-One For Dummies

Chapter 4

Considering Additional Packages and Libraries You Might Want

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using packages and libraries to your benefit

Working with Python packages

Working with R libraries

The terms package and library refer to code written not by the original developers but rather by a third party. Such code doesn’t necessarily appear as part of a language’s default installation; in fact, none of the packages and libraries in this chapter comes along with a default installation. You must obtain and install each one in some way to use it.

Third-party code alleviates the need for you to write something yourself. In most cases, you find that such code contains essential features in an easy-to-use and consistent manner. The code’s developers perform required updates and ensure that the code is as bug free as possible for you. You may find that the code is compiled in binary form or provided as source that is interpreted with the rest of your application. Some packages and libraries cost money to use, but none of the packages in this chapter cost anything unless you obtain a special high-end version that provides some level of additional support or functionality.

The terms package and ...