[R] Using the shape () function

[hadley wickham]

>> You might try using the reshape package instead:
>>
>> last <- function(x) x[length(x)]
>> names(d) <- c("value", "person", "time")
>> cast(d, person ~ time, last)
>
> The first and the last line I think is clear, although I will have to
> experiment more to understand the call on cast () better.  However, what I
> do not understand is the purpose of the second line.  I can print out
> names(d) right after the reading the frame with the read.table function.  If
> I print names (d) right after that statement has been executed, then I see
> no difference.  Even so, it seems to be necessary for the call on cast to
> work.  It seems that "names" is not the same as "names".  Something along
> the lines of a with () or attach () perhaps?

It's a small change - but cast requires the value column to be called
"value" (no s!)

Hadley

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