[R] apply, apply speed vs. traditional looping mechanisms

[John Sorkin]

Can someone tell me why apply (and apply) are faster in performing
repeated operations than a for (or do) loop? I am looking for a
technical explanation.
Thanks,
John

John Sorkin M.D., Ph.D.
Chief, Biostatistics and Informatics
Baltimore VA Medical Center GRECC and
University of Maryland School of Medicine Claude Pepper OAIC

University of Maryland School of Medicine
Division of Gerontology
Baltimore VA Medical Center
10 North Greene Street
GRECC (BT/18/GR)
Baltimore, MD 21201-1524

410-605-7119
jsorkin at grecc.umaryland.edu