difference between assignment syntax <- vs =

Since this topic came up, I've been thinking that
that sentence needs more work.

The "standard" is not from me -- I'm a bit more
agnostic than the statement although I personally
always use '<-'.  I'm thinking a revised version
might be something along the lines of:

Standard advice from most long-time R users is
to avoid using '=' when you mean '<-'.  However,
as long as you avoid the traps, it is really a matter
of taste.

Rejoinders, etc. will be considered for whenever
a revised Inferno appears.

Pat


Thomas Mang wrote:

Hi,

thanks for the link.

In the bottom part of the relevant section, you say:
"Standard advice is to avoid using '=' when you mean '<-'...."
Is this a formal, generally accepted (R community) advice, or does it 
reflect you personal opinion?
Note I am not asking this question as to criticize by any means, but instead 
I just want to know for my own work (which will be partially released to 
others) if the '<-' - style is the preferred one (Personally, with a strong 
background from other programming languages, I have always used '=' so far).

thanks,
Thomas



Patrick Burns wrote:

'The R Inferno' page 78 is one source you can
look at.


Patrick Burns
patrick at burns-stat.com
+44 (0)20 8525 0696
http://www.burns-stat.com
(home of "The R Inferno" and "A Guide for the Unwilling S User")

Thomas Mang wrote:

Hi,

Both operators <- and = can be used to make an assignment. My question 
is: Is there a semantic difference between these two? Some time ago, I 
remember I have read that because of some reason, one should be given 
preference over the other - but I cannot remember the source, nor the 
argument, nor which operator the preferred was.

What is the present state ?
Is still one version better than the other, or is it only a matter of 
taste what to use ?

thanks
Thomas