While base r provides the tools necessary to analyze complex datasets and perform most necessary functions. Utilizing R can be far easier through the use of RStudio.

This guide goes through the basics of the RStudio software.

What is RStudio?

  • RStudio is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). It allows for individuals to run various coding languages; predominantly R.

  • RStudio Provides More Resources Then Base R. Syntax Highlighting, Debugging Assistance, and Script Visualization are all offered in an IDE.

Downloading RStudio

You can Download RStudio for Windows, MacOS, and Other Softwares using the installer

Visit The Downloading Site

There are Four Sections of the RStudio IDE that we will cover in this guide

  1. Console

  2. Source

  3. Environment

  4. Output

The Console

The Console is where 1 line code is written to run single commands.

The > arrow signifies the line that you will write code on

> This is where you will write your commands

The + symbol tells you your command is incomplete

> print 
+ ("This is where you will need to finish your command")

The Up & Down arrows will allow you to move through previously ran commands

The console is also home to our Terminal. The terminal operates as a Shell that allows us to interact with our computers File System and git.

We focus more on how to use the terminal in our Unix, and Git guides. Check them out!

The terminal is especially useful when executing commands to Make new Folders, Change Working Directories and Connect With Github Services.


mkdir ("New_Folder")

cd ("path/to/your/desired/folder")

The Environment

The Environment, located at the top right is where all of our objects will be stored.

This is where any Files, Variables, and Databases we are using will be stored.


Stored_String <- "This variable will be stored in our environment"

read_csv("/This/will/store/in/our/environment.csv")

The environment provides us with information about the amount of Rows, Columns, and Objects in our environments items.

We can also View and Interact with these elements in the environment.

If we want to view and access previously ran code, we can do so with the History Tab.

The Code Editor

The top left window of our IDE is where our Code Editing Platform is Located. For some operating systems such as Windows and Linux. you may need to press CTRL+Shift+N to open this window.

The code editor window is where you will be writing the majority of your code.

The code editor provides multiple benefits:

  • Code editor will Highlight Incorrect and Incomplete command syntax and provide comments on what is incorrect before you run your code.

  • You can have Multiple Files Open at a time, allowing you to move between them and interact with your global environment.

  • You can create Foldable Code Chunks with some file types, allowing you to run specific blocks of code and keep your script clean and organized.

Outputs

The Output Window is located at the bottom right of our IDE, it contains tools to navigate your Systems Directory and manage your coding outputs:

  • The Files Folder Houses Your System Directory You can create and manage new files, and navigate through your file tree.

  • View Graphs and Other Plots That you have ran in Your script. You can export these as as images.

  • Access a List of Installed r Packages that you can add to your code, giving you access to new commands that will help you meet your goals.

  • Search up Commands and Functions, where it will provide you with examples of how to use them and what every part of the command is.

Next Steps

RStudio offers an interactive environment that allows you to view the products of your code while your making scripts. Next, we will look at how we can use R/RStudio to read in and work with data.

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