Analytics Software List

You will learn to use various analytics tools and programming languages during your study at Rotman. Below is an incomplete list of them together with download links and getting-started resources.

Python 3

Python is a general purpose high-level programming language. It has a large collection of data science packages to help maximize your productivity in data analytics tasks.

1. Install Python 3

   Many distributions of Python are available. Among them, Anaconda is a major Python distribution popular among data scientists. Choose one of the download links below depending on your need.

   • Anaconda Distribution comes with many Python data science packages preinstalled (e.g numpy and pandas). It also includes a package and environment management system (called conda), a Jupyter Notebook setup, and Python developement tools (Spyder and Pycharm). It even includes R and RStudio.
   • Miniconda is a minimal install of Anaconda. It only includes conda, core Python, and a small number of useful Python packages.

2. Install a Code Editor

   Many code editors work well with Python. Visual Studio Code with its Python Extension is one of the best.

3. Get-started Resources

   • Learn the Python language: Python Essential Training. (See here for how to access LinkedIn Learning for free.)
   • Learn programming (using Python): Learn to Program: The Fundamentals (For free access, click “Enroll for Free” and then choose the “Full Course, No Certificate” option.)
   • Learn Python data analysis skills: Python for Data Analysis.
   • Learn Python data science skills: Python Data Science Handbook.

R

R is a programming language for statistical computing. R provides a wide variety of statistical (linear and nonlinear modelling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis, classification, clustering, …) and graphical techniques.

1. Download R from R-project.

2. Install RStudio Desktop, the best R development environment.

3. Get-started Resources

   • R beginner learning path from RStudio Education.
   • R for Data Science.

SQL

SQL is a database query language.

1. Installation

   To use SQL, you typically need to install a database management system (DBMS). Lightweight DBMSs are most suitable for desktop/laptop installation. We recommend you two options.

   • SQLite (DBMS) and its GUI management client DB Browser for SQLite. Note that DB Browser installation includes a version of SQLite, so no need to install SQLite separately.
   • Microsoft SQL Server Express, a mini-versin of MS SQL Server (important: download the Express version), and its GUI management client SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

2. Get-started Resources

   • SQLite: Learning SQL Programming by Scott Simpson. (See here for how to access LinkedIn Learning for free.)
   • MS SQL Server Express: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2022. (See here for how to access LinkedIn Learning for free.)

JMP

JMP is a suite of computer programs for statistical analysis developed by the JMP business unit of SAS Institute.

1. Download JMP from Rotman Hub. Click the “Software” tile, and then follow the JMP “Download” link.

2. Get-started Resources

   • JMP User Community Learning Resources
   • JMP Learning Library
   • Statistical Thinking for Industrial Problem Solving (Click Enroll for Free, and then choose Audit Only for free access.)

SAS

SAS is a statistical software suite developed by SAS Institute for data management and advanced analytics.

1. Download SAS from Rotman Hub. Click the Software tile, and then follow the SAS “Download” link.

2. Get-started Resources

   • Free SAS E-Learning for Academics
   • Getting Started with SAS Programming (Click Enroll for Free, and then choose Audit Only for free access.)

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LinkedIn Learning Access

Use one of the following options to get free access to LinkedIn Learning.

• Register a free 1-month trial account and take the course.
• Apply for a free Toronto Public Library card, and login LinkedIn Learning via the library site. (Note that you can get Toronto Public Library’s Digital Access Card without visiting a library branch.)
• If you are a UofT graduate, you could register here at UofT alumni site to get free access to LinkedIn Learning.

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