SQL Server R Services in version 2017, because of added Python support renamed to Machine Learning Services, combines the power and flexibility of the open source R language with enterprise-level tools for data storage and management, workflow development, reporting, and visualization. This chapter introduces R Machine Learning Services globally and the R language. R is developing quite fast, so it is worth mentioning that the R version used in this book is 3.2.2 (2015-08-14).
In the first section, you will learn about the free version of the R language and engine. You will also become familiar with the basic concepts of programming in R.
When developing an advanced analytical solution, you spend the vast majority of time with data. Typically, data is not in a shape useful for statistical and other algorithms. Data preparation is not really glamorous but is an essential part of analytical projects. You will learn how to create a new, or use an existing...