---

🚀 R Get Started – Your First Steps with R Programming and Scripts

---

🧲 Introduction – How to Start with R?

Once you’ve installed R and RStudio, you’re ready to start coding. This guide will walk you through how to write your first R commands, understand the R console, and create your first R script.

We’ll also cover how to run code line-by-line, save your work, and explore the working directory—all crucial skills for effective R programming.

🎯 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to run commands in the R console
• How to create and save R scripts
• The basics of working directories
• Writing your first R program

---

💬 R Console vs Script Editor – What’s the Difference?

Feature	R Console	R Script Editor
Purpose	Run code interactively	Write multi-line programs
Output	Immediate	Run line-by-line or entire script
Save-able	❌ No	✅ Yes
Use Case	Quick tests, debugging	Full programs, reports, projects

When you open RStudio, you’ll see:

• Console (bottom left)
• Script editor (top left)
• Environment/history (top right)
• Plots/files/packages/help (bottom right)

---

✍️ Your First R Commands

Open RStudio, and in the console, try:

2 + 3

🧾 Output:

[1] 5

You just performed your first R operation! Let’s try a few more:

print("Hello, R!")

🧾 Output:

[1] "Hello, R!"

x <- 10
y <- 5
z <- x * y
z

🧾 Output:

[1] 50

---

📄 Create Your First R Script

1. Click File > New File > R Script
2. Type your R code:

# My First R Script
name <- "Alice"
score <- 98
message(paste("Student:", name, "- Score:", score))

3. Save the script: File > Save As > my_first_script.R
4. Click “Run” or press Ctrl + Enter to execute line-by-line

---

📁 Understanding Working Directory

The working directory is where R reads/writes files by default.

🔍 To check your working directory:

getwd()

📍 To set a new working directory:

setwd("C:/Users/YourName/Documents/R")

Make sure the folder path exists on your system. You can also use:

• Session > Set Working Directory > Choose Directory (in RStudio)

---

📦 Install and Load Your First Package

Try installing a useful package like ggplot2:

install.packages("ggplot2")
library(ggplot2)

If no errors show up, you’ve successfully installed and loaded a package!

---

📌 Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Getting started with R involves mastering the console, scripts, and your working directory. These basics lay the foundation for deeper data analysis, plotting, and modeling.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Use the console for quick code tests
• Use scripts to write reusable R code
• Learn to save files and set the working directory
• Start experimenting with built-in functions and installing packages

⚙️ Real-World Relevance:
Every R project begins with scripts and data files. Knowing how to navigate RStudio and execute R code smoothly will help you work faster in data science projects, statistical reporting, and academic research.

---

❓ FAQs – Getting Started with R

❓ What is the difference between R and RStudio?
✅ R is the language; RStudio is an IDE that makes using R easier with menus, panes, and tools.

❓ How do I run code in RStudio?
✅ Type code in the script editor and press Ctrl + Enter to run selected lines or use the Run button.

❓ Where do my scripts get saved?
✅ Scripts are saved as .R files in the folder you select using setwd() or via the RStudio interface.

❓ How do I stop a running R process?
✅ Click the red stop icon in RStudio or press Esc to interrupt execution.

❓ What is the file extension for R programs?
✅ R scripts use the .R extension. For R Markdown reports, use .Rmd.

---

Share Now :