Installing R and RStudio

R is an open-source (i.e., entirely free to use) software named after its two co-developers, Ross Ihaka and Robert Gentleman.

For tutorials on this site, it is recommended that both base R (1a or 1b) and RStudio (2) are installed.

1a. Download R for Windows 1b. Download R for Mac

RStudio (sometimes called RStudio Desktop) is an integrated development environment (IDE) designed primarily for R, but it also supports coding in other languages. It is known for its user-friendly interface and enhanced aesthetic appeal. RStudio requires that base R be installed first, although base R can be run with or without RStudio. Figure 1 below illustrates the difference in graphical user interface (GUI).

2. Download RStudio (for Windows or Mac)

Left: Screenshot of base R GUI featuring the script editor and console. Right: Screenshot of RStudio running the same code.

Figure 1. Left: base R. Right: RStudio. Both are running the same code.