R and R Studio
|
REVISION IN PROGRESS: This article contains useful information, but is being revised to reflect recent updates. Direct questions to TLT (tlt@winona.edu). |
R and R Studio are free software applications for statistical computing and graphics. R includes the code required to conduct statistical analyses and visualize data. R Studio is a companion application, called an integrated development environment (IDE), that makes it easier to use R. Both run on Windows and MacOS.
Install R
- Browse to https://www.r-project.org
- Under Getting Started, select Download R (Fig 1)
- Select the link under 0-Cloud to download R from the server nearest you
- Under Download and Install R, select either the Mac or Windows version of R to begin downloading the installer file. What happens next will differ slightly depending on whether you are installing R on a Mac or PC.
Mac
Under Latest release, select the link to the latest release package (.pkg) file. Save the file to your Mac and then select it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application as usual. Once installed, you can delete the .pkg installer file.
PC
In the description of the base subdirectory, select the Install R for the first time link. Select the Download R [latest version number] for Windows link to begin downloading the .exe file. Save the file on your PC and then select it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application as usual. Note that staff members with Avecto installed on their WSU computers will need to launch the installer file in elevated mode.
Why R Studio?
Although you can use R directly, R Studio organizes and streamlines many R features and functions, reducing your workload and making it easier to navigate and manage R projects. R Studio is currently the most common IDE for R.
Install R Studio
- Browse to https://rstudio.com
- Select RStudio from the Products menu
- Select RStudio Desktop
- Under Open Source Edition, select Download RStudio Desktop
- Select Download under the RStudio Desktop Open Source License Free version. What happens next will differ slightly depending on whether you are installing R on a Mac or PC.
Mac
Select Download R Studio for Mac to begin downloading the .dmg installer file. Save the file to your Mac and then select it to begin the installation process. Drag the RStudio icon to your Applications folder when prompted. Once installed, you can drag the installer file to the trash.
PC
Select Download R Studio for Windows to begin downloading the .exe installer file. Save the file to your PC and select it to begin the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the application as usual. Note that staff members with Avecto installed on their WSU computers will need to launch the installer file in elevated mode.