[R] what is R best for; what should one learn in addition to R

[Juliet Hannah]

Hi,

I've been working with R for a couple of years, and I've
been able to get most of the things done that I needed (sometimes in
a roundabout way). A few experienced statisticians told me that
R is best for interactive data analysis, but for large-scale
computations, one needs something else.

I understand that this all depends on what you are trying to
accomplish, and R offers many ways to make large-scale
computing possible.

I am seeking advice from those of you who do statistical
programming outside of R. What do you use, and what kinds
of applications require you to use something other than R?

I have some experience with Java, C++, and Perl. Where would you
suggest that I concentrate my efforts so that if R does not handle
what I need well, I will be equipped to handle it.

Thanks,

Juliet