Softwr

Software · head to head

Apache Spark MLlib vs Stata

Apache Spark MLlib logo

Apache Spark MLlib

Software

Scalable machine learning on Apache Spark

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stata logo

Stata

Software

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apache Spark MLlib has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apache Spark MLlib apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.; Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Stata covers Statistical analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Spark MLlib and Stata actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Spark MLlib and Stata differ
AttributeApache Spark MLlibStata
Starting priceFree$48/year
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, macOS, WindowsLinux, Mac, Windows
Founded19991985

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Spark MLlib

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Collaborative filtering
  • Feature engineering
  • Apache Spark
  • Hadoop
  • Kafka

Only in Stata

  • Statistical analysis
  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • Survey analysis
  • Python
  • ODBC
  • Excel

Both cover

  • Linux support
  • Mac support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Large-scale distributed machine learning on Spark clustersnot Stata
  • Classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted treesnot Stata
  • Clustering with K-means and Gaussian Mixture Modelsnot Stata

Stata

  • Statistical analysis and econometrics on panel and survey datanot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Reproducible research with do files and logsnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot Apache Spark MLlib

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.

Stata

  • The entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • Raising the variable limit to 32,767 requires Stata/SE and 120,000 requires Stata/MP
  • Stata/MP is licensed by core count, so 2 core and 4 core licences are priced separately
  • Student licences require proof of enrolment at a degree granting institution
  • Stata/MP is not sold on a 6 month student term
  • Perpetual student licences cost several times the annual price, for example $298 against $94 for Stata/BE

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Spark MLlib

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark MLlib review.

Stata

$48/year
  • Stata/BE$48/year
    • Basic edition
    • Core features
  • Stata/SE$295/year
    • Standard edition
    • Larger datasets

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Spark MLlib if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Apache Spark MLlib review

Choose Stata if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want data management.
Stata review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Spark MLlib or Stata better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Spark MLlib starts at Free and Stata at $48/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Spark MLlib or Stata?
Apache Spark MLlib has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apache Spark MLlib and $48/year for Stata.
Does Apache Spark MLlib or Stata run on more platforms?
Apache Spark MLlib runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
Can I use Apache Spark MLlib for free?
Yes. Apache Spark MLlib has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
What is Apache Spark MLlib best used for?
Apache Spark MLlib is most often used for large-scale distributed machine learning on spark clusters, classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted trees, clustering with k-means and gaussian mixture models. Of those, large-scale distributed machine learning on spark clusters and classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted trees are not what Stata is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Spark MLlib do that Stata cannot?
Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Collaborative filtering. Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Both handle Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Apache Spark MLlib

More on Stata

Keep looking

Other head to heads