R (Programming Language)

Description: R is an open-source programming language used for statistical computing and graphics that is supported by the R Foundation for Statistical Computing. Statisticians and data miners widely use it for developing statistical software and data analysis. Functions and results of the analysis are all stored as objects, allowing easy function modification and model building.

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix
Cost: No charge (Open Source)

Overview License

R is an open-source programming language used to implement a variety of statistical and graphical techniques. It compiles and runs on a wide range of UNIX platforms, Windows and macOS. R provides the language, tool, and environment in one convenient package. R is an implementation of the S programming language. R was created at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and is now developed by the R Development Core Team. R uses a command-line interface. The capabilities of R are extended through user-submitted packages. Several graphical user interfaces are available, including SAS integrated R within SAS/IML Studio. R can also be called from SPSS.

Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

R has a library of GUI's that implement a wide variety of statistical and graphical techniques, including linear and nonlinear modeling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis, classification, clustering, and others.

Among the various GUI's available for R:

R Commander
RStudio - integrated development environment
Deducer - common data manipulation and analysis tasks
JGR - Java GUI for R – cross-platform stand-alone R terminal and editor based on Java
Statistical Lab - statistical computing and visualizing data

R GUI for Data Mining:

Rattle GUI - R Analytical Tool to Learn Easily
Rattle: A Data Mining GUI for R - article from R Journal

License Information

R is an open-source programming language and is part of the GNU Project. R source code is freely available under the GNU General Public License.

Download, Patch, and Access "R"

R and various user-created packages may be downloaded and installed on your computer to meet statistical and graphical needs. R is also available on the Koti Server to process sensitive and confidential data. Periodic updates and patches are provided.

Download and Install R

Pre-compiled binary versions of "R" are available for various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux:

Download R from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN)
For Windows, launch the install by right-clicking on the install program and selecting "Run as administrator."

Patches & Updates

To update your R packages, use the installer package or update.packages() function.

Training and Support

A variety of training videos, manuals, and resources are available to help you expand your knowledge on the use of the R programming language. Support resources are available for assistance with the installation and use of R.

Training and Manuals

R Software Help Videos - 27 videos by VCU's Dr. Ed Boone
Statistics with R - 7 videos by Ehsan Karim, University of British Columbia
R Programming Videos - 19 videos (mac platform) by Gordon Davis
First Steps in R Studio Video by Riccardo Klinger

R Manuals
Calling R from Other Software - SAS, SPSS, JMP, and Stata Users - by Robert Muenchen
The R Journal - Articles of the R project
Simple R - Using R for Introductory Statistics - CUNY
R Add-on Packages - Counterparts to SAS and SPSS Products

Safari Books Online

VCU Libraries subscribes to Safari Books Online, an online database of books on all aspects of computers, programming, and the web, from such publishers as O'Reilly, Sams, New Riders, and Adobe. Many books on R are available, such as:

Art of R Programming
R Cookbook (O'Reilly Cookbooks) by Paul Teetor
R in a Nutshell
R in Action: Data analysis and graphics with R
R for Medicine and Biology
25 Recipes for Getting Started with R
Mathematical Statistics with Resampling and R

There is no charge for this service to VCU students, faculty, and staff, due to the VCU Libraries subscription. To access a book online, visit Safari Books Online, and perform a search for the book title. You may be prompted to log in with your VCU eID and password.

Support & Consultation

The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research provides statistical and programming consultation for the use of R in teaching and research. To request a consultation appointment, contact statconsult@vcu.edu.

If you need assistance with the installation of R, contact the IT Support Center.