How much is R version 4.2.3 different from R version 3.4.0?

Question

Not sure if I should ask it here as the query isn't related to any coding. I am planning to learn R Programming for using it later in Data Science / Bioinformatics. I am sure the course here would be helpful to give me a headstart. But, I always prefer to keep a textbook with me. After a bit of search I have found this book called "R for Everyone: Advanced Analytics and Graphics" by Jared Lander which sees to have good coverage of topics and is available as a low priced edition in my country. However, the issue is that the second edition of this book was published in 2018 and the author used R version 3.4.0 for the instructions. So, how much is R version 4.2.3 different from R version 3.4.0? Should I look some latest book instead?

Answer 1

In general, the changes between R version 3.4.0 and R version 4.2.3 should not prevent you from using a textbook based on the older version of R, as most of the core concepts and syntax of the language remain the same. However, if you want to be up-to-date with the latest features and improvements in R, it might be worth considering a more recent book or resource.

Overall, "R for Everyone: Advanced Analytics and Graphics" by Jared Lander is still a good book to learn R programming, even though it is based on an older version of R. However, it is always recommended to supplement your learning with up-to-date resources and keep an eye on the latest developments in the language

Answer 2

I think it does not have much difference between them

Answer 3

You may find a list of bug fixes and changes here.

https://cran.r-project.org/doc/manuals/r-release/NEWS.html

Answer 4

R version 4.2.3 and R version 3.4.0 are quite different in terms of new features and improvements. The latest version of R includes various bug fixes, performance improvements, and new functions.

Some of the significant changes include:

1. Performance: R version 4.2.3 includes several performance improvements, which can make code run faster and more efficiently.

2. New functions: New functions have been added to R version 4.2.3, which can make it easier to work with data, visualize data, and perform statistical analyses.

3. Bug fixes: R version 4.2.3 includes several bug fixes, which can help prevent unexpected behavior and improve the reliability of R.

4. Packages: Many packages have been updated or added since R version 3.4.0, which means that some code that worked in the older version of R might not work in the newer version without modification.