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RStudio, also known as Posit, is an open-source development environment for R, a programming language used for statistical computing, analysis, and graphics. Learn RStudio with online courses delivered through edX.

What is RStudio?

RStudio can help you make the most out of R. As an integrated development environment (IDE), RStudio provides a user-friendly graphical interface that streamlines and expands R’s functionalities.1 RStudio contains the following basic components, visually arranged as quadrants or “panes”:2

  • A text editor: Access, write, edit, and execute scripts. With this feature, R does not have to assess individual lines of code.

  • A console: Enables users to type and immediately execute commands. You can also use the console to view output.

  • An environment: Displays arrays, functions, values, and everything else you’ve made during your session.

  • Additional tabs: Groups together a handful of features, including:

    • Files, a sortable file manager.

    • Packages, which displays both installed and installable packages.

    • Plots, which displays graphics you’ve made.

    • Help, which contains searchable R documentation.

By using intuitive dropdown menus, you can navigate basic RStudio functionalities and execute common shortcuts without writing code. To perform more advanced functions, however, you will need to learn how to read and write R.3

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What is covered in an RStudio tutorial?

Data professionals of all backgrounds could benefit from an RStudio class. RStudio training might cover the following:

  • Set-up: To properly use RStudio, you’ll need to install the version that best meets your needs. RStudio, which offers both free and paid tools, is supported by Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and more.4

  • Commands: Commands enable you to execute lines of code on demand.

  • Scripts: Scripts allow you to modify, save, and re-run previous commands. They also enable more advanced groups of commands.

  • Shortcuts: By familiarizing yourself with these key bindings, you can perform repetitive tasks, such as creating a new script, more efficiently.

  • Objects: These serve as the building blocks of your programs. You may dive into variables, vectors, data frames, arrays, and other objects.5

edX offers a variety of learning options in partnership with some of the world’s leading colleges and universities.

Explore RStudio jobs

Knowledge of RStudio is applicable to many roles. These may include:

  • Data scientist: These data experts could use RStudio to manipulate, analyze, and model data. RStudio can also directly integrate with Structured Query Language (SQL), a programming language commonly used in database management.6

  • Machine learning engineer: These engineers can use RStudio to create and analyze predictive models.

  • R programmer: This role requires advanced, focused knowledge of R and RStudio. R programmers are tasked with coding, troubleshooting, and producing data visualizations, all on the R and RStudio platforms.

In general, requirements for these positions vary by level and company. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in data science, or a master’s degree in data science. Others may look for proof of your professional development through a data analytics boot camp and other learning opportunities such as a coding boot camp. It’s important to research the role you seek as well as common requirements from potential employers before starting down a learning path.

How to learn RStudio online

Mastering complementary and foundational subjects can help learners make the most out of RStudio and become a well-rounded data professional. These subjects include:

  • R: R is the software’s foundational programming language.

  • SQL: RStudio and SQL can directly integrate with each other. By familiarizing yourself with SQL, you can get more out of RStudio and any compatible SQL editor.

  • Data and statistical analysis: By sharpening your analysis skills, you can better leverage RStudio regressions, statistical tests, and other data modeling and analysis features.

Explore the many different learning pathways that can help you acquire specialized knowledge related to the field with boot camp programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and master’s degree programs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What Is R? The R Project for Statistical Computing. Retrieved December 27, 2022.

    2. Panes in RStudio. (2022). TC Technology Knowledge Base. Retrieved December 27, 2022.

    3. Chapter 1: The Basics. University of Illinois Chicago. Retrieved December 27, 2022.

    4. What Operating Systems are the RStudio Products Supported On? (2021). Posit Support. Retrieved December 27, 2022.

    5. Basics of RStudio. James Cook University. Retrieved December 27, 2022.

    6. Working With Databases and SQL in RStudio. (2022). Posit. Retrieved December 27, 2022.