Emacs Speaks Statistics (ESS): A multi-platform, multi-package intelligent environment for statistical analysis

Computer programming is an important component of statistics research and data analysis. This skill is necessary for using sophisticated statistical packages as well as for writing custom software for data analysis. Emacs Speaks Statistics (ESS) provides an intelligent and consistent interface between the user and software. ESS interfaces with SAS, S-PLUS, R, and other statistics packages under the Unix, Microsoft Windows, and Apple Mac operating systems. ESS extends the Emacs text editor and uses its many features to streamline the creation and use of statistical software. ESS understands the syntax for each data analysis language it works with and provides consistent display and editing features across packages. ESS assists in the interactive or batch execution by the statistics packages of statements written in their languages. Some statistics packages can be run as a subprocess of Emacs, allowing the user to work directly from the editor and thereby retain a consistent and constant lookand-feel. We discuss how ESS works and how it increases statistical programming efficiency.