Lecture 1: Introduction to R, RStudio, and Posit.Cloud

Author

Dr. Logan Kelly

Published

September 4, 2024

Overview

  • In this lecture, we’ll explore the basics of:
    • R: A powerful language for statistical computing.
    • RStudio: An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed for R, enhancing its usability.
    • Posit.Cloud: A web-based service that provides access to RStudio from any device.

1. Introduction to R

  • What is R?
    • A powerful programming language for statistical computing and graphics.
    • Used widely in data analysis, statistical modeling, and business intelligence (BI).
  • Why is R important?
    • Open-source, widely adopted in both academia and industry.
    • Supports advanced data analysis, visualization, and statistical modeling.
  • Key Features of R:
    • Highly flexible and extensible with thousands of packages.
    • Supports reproducible research and integrates with other tools (e.g., Python, databases).

2. RStudio Overview

  • What is RStudio?
    • Integrated Development Environment (IDE) designed specifically for R.
    • Simplifies data analysis, visualization, and model building.
  • Key Features of RStudio:
    • User-friendly interface for writing and running R scripts.
    • Includes tools for managing data, visualizing results, and navigating R packages.
  • RStudio Layout:

RStudio Layout
  • Four main panels:
    1. Source Panel (Top-left): Where R scripts are written.
    2. Console Panel (Bottom-left): Where R code is executed.
    3. Environment/History Panel (Top-right): Lists objects in the workspace.
    4. Files/Plots/Packages/Help Panel (Bottom-right): Access to files, plots, packages, and documentation.

3. Posit.Cloud Overview

  • What is Posit.Cloud?
    • A web-based platform that allows you to run RStudio in a browser.
    • Useful for educational purposes, particularly in courses where access to RStudio from any device is needed.
    • Direct link: https://posit.cloud

Posit.Cloud Splash Page
  • Posit.Cloud Plans:
    • Cloud Free:
      • Free plan with limited compute hours and resources.
      • Ideal for students in educational settings.
    • Cloud Instructor:
      • Tailored for educators with additional compute hours.

Posit.Cloud Plans
  • Key Differences between Plans:
    • Cloud Free offers limited resources (1GB RAM, 25 compute hours/month).
    • Cloud Instructor offers enhanced features for educators (e.g., 300 compute hours/month, shared spaces for classes).

4. Why Posit.Cloud is Useful for Your Class

  • For Students:
    • Accessible from anywhere without needing to install RStudio locally.
    • Easy to collaborate with classmates and instructors.
  • For Instructors:
    • Provides a collaborative environment for teaching R in courses.
    • Instructors can manage class workspaces, ensuring students have access to all resources needed.

Key Takeaways

  • You now understand the basics of R, RStudio, and Posit.Cloud.
  • R is essential for statistical computing, and RStudio simplifies the workflow.
  • Posit.Cloud allows you to run RStudio in a web-based environment, making it easier to work from anywhere.

Looking Forward

  • In the next lecture, we’ll go over how to set up a Posit.Cloud account and join your class workspace, so you’re ready to start coding in R.