[Gretl-users] Suggestions for improvements of gretl

[Allin Cottrell]

On Wed, 20 Dec 2006, Andreas Karlsson wrote:

> I have a few suggestions for improvements of gretl, making it 
> possible for me to use it in other courses:
>
> 1. A possibility to generate random binomial variables, for 
> example by adding a menu entry Add > Random variable > Binomial

That would be easy enough.  Also easy to do manually, for example

* add normal random variable, u
* genr binrand = u > 0

> 2. For frequency plots of continual data (i.e., histograms), amke it possible 
> for the user to
> a). Choose bin width
> b). Choose number of bins

Not hard at the basic coding level.  A bit more time-consuming to 
construct a good user interface.

> 3. For discrete data, make it possible to create pie charts

Pie charts are evil, and are not supported by gnuplot.  That one 
probably won't happen soon, though obviously it's not hugely 
difficult.

> These are the most important improvements. What are the chances of these 
> suggestions being implemented soon?

1 and 2 are candidates for fairly quick attention, though I can't 
promise just how soon.

>
> Some other suggestions, not necessary for using in the courses I am thinking 
> about, but which would be quite useful and nice to have in gretl (in order of 
> importance):

> 1. Support for Multinomial logistic regression

> 2. Forward/backward stepwise selection for regressions

> 3. Direct import of R format, SPSS format and OpenOffice.org Calc format 
> files

These formats all quite time-consuming propositions.  Is there an 
open spec for the SPSS format?

> 4. Quantile regression

> 5. Ordinal logistic regression

Ordered logit is in current CVS.

The estimators you mention are good candidates for inclusion at 
some point, but I don't know how soon -- there are lots of things 
to be done and only two of us actually coding on gretl.

Allin.