<snip>
>Saghir, why do you prefer Python?
<snip>

I was thinking about learning Perl many years ago and I asked my system
admin for advice. His enthusiasm for Python steered me away from Perl and
I've been hooked since. Basically it is easy to learn and program
development is quick. 
Saghir

> >===== Original Message From "Bashir Saghir (Aztek Global)" 
> <Saghir.Bashir@UCB-Group.com> =====
> >Dear Tanya,
> >
> >Have you considered using Python (www.python.org) instead of Perl? I use
> >Python, LaTeX, and R for doing what you describe. My process is evolving
> and
> >cannot recommend it as being the best. Essentially I am moving towards a
> >database approach currently using dictionaries in Python. In the longer
> term
> >I plan to switch to MySQL.
> >
> >In summary I split the problem into bits that link into a relational
> >database and use meta data to run my reports. So once the data base is
> set
> >up I only need to give the key information and my programs find all
> relevant
> >information in the database meaning that I never need to modify any
> programs
> >to run a report with new data - just the database.
> >
> >I don't know of any references for this bnut if you get any to your
> original
> >query I would be interested.
> >
> >Best regards,
> >Saghir
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From:	Tanya Murphy [SMTP:tmurph6@po-box.mcgill.ca]
> >> Sent:	Friday, 28 March, 2003 5:42 PM
> >> To:	r-help
> >> Subject:	[R] Statistical computing
> >>
> >> Hello,
> >>
> >> I've been trying to familiarize myself with the computing tools of the
> >> trade
> >> (e.g. SAS, R, Perl, LaTex) and I've been getting somewhere with the
> >> individual
> >> programs, but I'm trying to get a better sense of how to integrate
> these
> >> tools. I'd like to use scripts and create reports in a more organized
> way.
> >> Can
> >> anyone recommend books or, better yet free online articles, on this
> topic?
> >>
> >> Maybe I should be a little more specific about what I do: I'm a
> research
> >> assistant in clinical epidemiology doing mainly data management and
> >> analysis.
> >> I do a number of repetitive tasks like updating a research database
> from
> >> the
> >> original clinic database and other sources, create reports, create
> >> graphical
> >> output for individual patients, as well as work on individual research
> >> projects. Unfortunately I am not working closely with 'real'
> statisticians
> >> who
> >> have probably developped good work habits using these tools. Any advice
> on
> >>
> >> 'the big picture' would be greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks!
> >>
> >> Tanya Murphy
> >>
> 
> 
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