Chapter 1 Introduction

Learning objectives:

For the entire book:

• Improve programming skills.
• Develop a deep understanding of the R language fundamentals.
• Understand what functional programming means.
• Understand object-oriented programming as applied in R.
• Understand metaprogramming while developing in R.

For this chapter (includes the Welcome and Preface):

• Recognize the differences between the 1st and 2nd edition of this book.
• Describe the overall structure of the book.
• Decide whether this book is right for you.

Books suggestions:

• The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP)
• Concepts, Techniques and Models of Computer Programming
• The Pragmatic Programmer