The data analytics toolbox

Out of all the technologies related to data analytics, this book is going to focus on the application layer. This is where the "magic" happens: analytics applications can transform data into actual business value and in the next chapters, you will learn how to do this.

There are many data analytics applications out there available for use. Each of them has its strengths and peculiarities. Although some can be very versatile, no single application will satisfy the full range of analytical needs we could encounter on our way. Hence, we should pick a selection of tools that will jointly cover an acceptable range of needs: they form our data analytics toolbox. By learning how to use and how to effectively combine the few tools we have put in the toolbox, we can become autonomous data analytics practitioners. Like a plumber would have his or her preferences on the instruments to use, you will also have your own predilections and can customize your...