R is a great programming language for data analysis and data visualization. Please follow these steps to install it.
Step 1: Google The Comprehensive R Archive Network. This is called CRAN for short.
Step 2: Once you arrive at the homepage, click one of the first three links. I use Windows so I selected the the third link — Download R for Windows. This will take you to a new screen. The process is similar for Mac.
Step 3: Next you will select the first link labeled base. This option only downloads the basic packages for R. You can always add additional packages later.
Step 4: After clicking base, you will click the top link to download the most recent version of R. I clicked Download R 4.0.2 for Windows. Please take note that I took the below screenshot in September 2020. You may have a different version depending on when you are following this article.
Step 5: After clicking the download link, the installer file will download within your browser. Once complete, click on the file to start the installation process.
Step 6: I recommend maintaining all the defaults throughout the installation process. The only option I would change is adding a desktop shortcut if desired.
Nice! You should now have R successfully installed.
We will now go over installing RStudio. RStudio is an IDE built with R programming in mind. You can use other IDEs for R, but I recommend RStudio.
Step 1: Google RStudio.
Step 2: Click the Download tab at the top right of the RStudio homepage.
Step 3: Scroll down until you see the below versions. RStudio has multiple options, but most people only need the RStudio Desktop version. Luckily this is free! Click the Free Download button for RStudio Desktop.
Step 4: You will then be taken to a new page where you must select an operating system. RStudio will give a recommendation on this page. However, you should make sure you are selecting the correct one. If you are like me and use Windows 10, select the Windows 10/8/7 RStudio-1.3.1073.exe option.
Step 5: After clicking the download link, the installer file will download within your browser. Once complete, click on the file to start the installation process.
Step 6: I recommend maintaining all the defaults throughout the installation process.
Step 7: Search your applications for RStudio to open it.
Double nice! You should now have RStudio successfully installed.
I hope this little tutorial helped. I plan to produce additional R and other related articles soon. My journey with R started by enrolling in the online course offered by Harvard University. This course can be completed for free through edx.org. You can find the link for the Professional Certificate in Data Science here. This course was really fun and it was the reason I was inspired to write about R.
Cheers!
