Learning with DataCamp

On February 24 I signed up for DataCamp (datacamp.com) to learn R and learn more about data analysis. I use data analysis regularly, but I had a feeling that using it this way would be a bit different and expand my horizons.

I've completed the introductory course (Introduction to R). Here are are my initial reactions:

• It's weird to set variables using <-. The equal sign is just so intuitive and used in all other cases I can recall. Although I've just started the second course and it looks like you can set variables with the equal (=) sign as well.
• I don't ever remember using things like vectors in previous programming experiences. Maybe that was because I've been focused on having a program do something rather than manipulate data that is fed in.
• Vectors are awesome.

Here's a screen shot of one of the lessons in the first course.

I'm hoping that the rest of the courses will be a great learning experience. The interface is very similar to Codecademy (codecademy.com). Both seem like a great way to learn on your own schedule.