Essential Comparisons of the Matlab and R Languages

Abstract

We assume a working knowledge of either Matlab or R. For either language, there are many books that describe the basics for\rbeginners. However, a brief comparison of the two languages might help someone familiar with one language read code written\rin the other.\r\rMatlab and R have many features in common. Some of the differences are trivial while others can be troublesome. Where differences\rare minor, we offer code in only one language, which will be often R.\r\r\r\rWe will use typewriter font for any text meant to be interpreted as Matlab or R code, such as plot(heightfd).