# 2.3  Pros and Cons of using R

To re-cap and summarise, below is a table outlining the primary pros and cons of using R, as I see it:

| Pros | Cons |
| ------ | ------ |
| $\bullet$ A flexible programming language | $\bullet$ Steep learning curve |
| $\bullet$ Free, platform-independent | $\bullet$ Packages vary in quality and vary over time |
| $\bullet$ Open source | $\bullet$ Updating can be tricky |
| $\bullet$ Lots of contributors | $\bullet$ Assumptions can be cryptic |
| $\bullet$ Broad in scope | $\bullet$ Frustrating when code won't run |
| $\bullet$ Always evolving | $\bullet$ When it runs... is it correct? |
| $\bullet$ Great for stats research | $\bullet$ Requires independent checks/debugging/programming skills |