[R] When factor is better than other types, such as vector and frame?

[Paul Hiemstra]

Peng Yu schreef:
> Hi,
>
> It is easy to understand the types vector and frame.
>
> But I am wondering why the type factor is designed in R. What is the
> advantage of factor compare with other data types in R? Can somebody
> give an example in which case the type factor is much better than
> other data types?
>
> Regards,
> Peng
>
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>   
Hi,

Factor is better when the  variable is categorical, such as 'Forest', 
'Woodland' etc. When performing for example an lm() the categorical 
variables have to be a factor in order for R to recognize it in that way.

cheers,
Paul