Knowing how to code is a critical skill to efficiently and effectively analyze large data sets. For government policymakers and public sector representatives, Python and R are the two most popular programming languages used to draw behavioural insights that support policy development. Understanding the differences and similarities between Python and R broadens the toolkit, enhances flexibility, and promotes collaboration, making decision-makers more effective and versatile in their organizations.
Join this free virtual workshop on September 13 from 12 - 1 p.m. ET and learn about the similarities and differences between Python and R, including how and when to choose Python versus R.
What you'll learn
- Get started with Python and R and learn how and when to utilize them for your data needs.
- Explore the differences and similarities between analyzing public data with Python and R.
- Examine the visualization and statistical analysis capabilities of both programming languages.
- Receive a live demonstration of common data manipulation and analysis tasks using Python and R.
You'll also hear about WatSPEED's Data Analytics for Behavioural Insights certificate program and how it leverages both Python and R as part of your learning experience.
Meet your workshop host
ELIAS PUURUNEN
Elias Puurunen is the president of Northern HCI Solutions. He architects big data solutions for Fortune 500 companies, governments, and startups. His data warehouses enable Canada's top high-performance building researchers to produce new electric grid guidance to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining quality of life.
At the height of the 2020 COVID pandemic, Puurunen’s firm designed a personal protective equipment (PPE) test program for the National Research Council of Canada. This program allowed researchers to perform rapid quality assurance verification on PPE. In 2019, Puurunen developed the Coding for Public Policy course (PS 627) for the University of Waterloo's Master of Public Service program. He is also a Microsoft certified solutions expert in data management and analytics, CompTIA certified technical trainer, and holds his Honours Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Waterloo.
