What are the differences between "=" and "<-" in R?

Question

What are the differences between the assignment operators `=` and `<-` in R? I know that operators are slightly different, as this example shows x <- y <- 5 x = y = 5 x = y <- 5 x <- y = 5 # Error in (x <- y) = 5 : could not find function "<-<-"But is this the only difference?

Answer 1

:) For the most part there is no difference. There used to be few data objects and assignments as you have above that would act differently. For the lay user, they are the same. More people are swtiching to = vs <- If you have a specific question and doubt about which one to use. I will be more than happy to answer that.