1 Introduction to R

R is a statistical computing framework widely used by scientists and researchers all over the world. Technically, what we think of as R is made up of different layers that build on each other to make using statistics as easy and powerful as possible.

Learning Objectives

• Learn what R and RStudio are and what they do.
• Learn how to extend the functionality of R.
• Learn basic uses of R.
• Learn how to access online and built-in help with R.

Useful Functions

• Use install.packages() to install additional functionality to R.
• Use library() to load a package and make using its functions easy.

• Use the :: operator to use a function without calling library().

• Use the +, -, *, /, and ^ operators to perform calculations.
• Use the <- operator to save data to a variable.
• Use round() to round values.
• Use c() to concatenate values into a vector.

• Use plot(), barplot(), and pie() to create simple plots.

• Use help() or the ? operator to access documentation on specific functions.

• Use the ?? operator to search for functions and documentation.