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The goal of armadillo (previously cpp11armadillo) is to provide a novel approach to use the Armadillo C++ library by using the header-only cpp11 R package and to simplify things for the end-user.
New features
- Completely rewritten documentation, which now aims to cover all the essentials to get started with C++ and Armadillo.
- New examples, which are clearer and more informative.
- New Makevars template with commented debbuging flags and that allows to set the number of cores.
- Uses Armadillo version Cortisol Retox 12.6.7.
Installation
You can install the development version of cpp11armadillo like so:
remotes::install_github("pachadotdev/cpp11armadillo")
Or from CRAN:
install.packages("armadillo")
Documentation and preprint
The preprint by Jonathan Schneider and yours truly is available at arXiv, and it covers the main features and the common pitfalls that R users might encounter when using C++.
The documentation is available on the pkgdown site.
Source code
The source code is available on GitHub.
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Continue reading: armadillo 0.3.0 is available on CRAN
Implications and Future Developments of ‘Armadillo’
The ‘Armadillo’ (previously known as cpp11armadillo) is a groundbreaking way of utilizing the Armadillo C++ library via the cpp11 R package. It simplifies the process for end-users, potentially opening up opportunities for more individuals to engage with the C++ library in a more straightforward and efficient manner.
New Features
Armadillo introduces substantial new updates, which include a complete overhaul of the documentation. This documentation now aspires to cover all the essentials needed to get started with C++ and Armadillo. More than that, it’s peppered with illuminating examples which now provide clearer and more nuanced information. Finally, a `Makevars` template has been implemented, which includes commented debugging flags and facilitates the designation of the number of cores.
Armadillo is powered by version Cortisol Retox 12.6.7, a robust and capable architecture that enables resource-efficient performance.
Installation
Sourcing Armadillo can be done in two ways: installing the development version of cpp11armadillo directly from GitHub, or alternatively, it can be installed from CRAN. This offers flexibility to developers and makes it accessible to a wider number of users.
Documentation and Source Code
Documentation is vital for the operational efficiency of any software and in this regard Armadillo offers thorough documentation that’s available on the pkgdown site. A preprint by Jonathan Schneider which discusses the main features and potential issues that R users might encounter when using C++, adds an extra level of guidance. The open access source code is readily available on GitHub, incentivizing collaboration and continuous development.
Actionable Advice
Those interested in C++ library and looking for a simpler, user-friendly approach should consider trying out Armadillo. While the installation process is straightforward, ensure you review the provided documentation thoroughly and refer to the preprint by Jonathan Schneider for additional insights before getting started. Keep close to the provided examples to understand key concepts more clearly.
In the long run, signs are that the Armadillo platform could very well become a go-to tool for developers using the C++ library due to its simplistic yet efficient approach, its excellent documentation and its ongoing development supported by the open-source code. Therefore, getting acquainted with it now could be beneficial in the long run.
Finally, engaging with the community through platforms like R-bloggers.com and the projects GitHub page can provide a wealth of knowledge, assistance and updates on the potential developments and improvements users could expect in the future.