[R] understanding the FUNCTION function

[michaelyb]

Peter, your solution is actually very interesting. I have never seen or heard
of before. I will look into it.

Meanwhile, look at this example instead:
fac<-function(x){a<-1
                 for(i in 1:x){
                 a<-a*i
                 print(a)}}
The result is :
> fac(5)
[1] 1
[1] 2
[1] 6
[1] 24
[1] 120

However, when I try your way:
fac<-function(x){a<-1
                 for(i in 1:x){
                 a<<-a*i
                 print(a)}}

I get:
> fac(5)
[1] 1
[1] 1
[1] 1
[1] 1
[1] 1

Why isn't it overriding "a", and giving me 120?
PS: I am aware that I could use the FACTORIAL function, but I used this
example for illustration purposes.

Thank you again!

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