Getting Started with RStudio
Learn how to install R and RStudio, and explore the IDE’s layout to run your first lines of code.
Getting Started with RStudio is a free R Academy lesson on CoddyKit. This is lesson 1 of 3. Any 3 lessons of this learning path are free to read in full — after that, CoddyKit PRO unlocks every lesson, plus hands-on practice with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the R Academy learning path, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app. The R Academy course includes 3 lessons in total.
Welcome to R and RStudio
R is a powerful programming language for statistical computing and data analysis. RStudio is an integrated development environment (IDE) that makes working with R easier.
Installing R and RStudio
To get started, you need to install both R and RStudio.
- Download R from CRAN.
- Download RStudio from RStudio Official Site.
- Install both and launch RStudio.
Understanding RStudio Interface
RStudio has four main panels:
- Console: Where you type and run R code.
- Script Editor: Where you write and save scripts.
- Environment/History: Shows stored variables and command history.
- Files/Plots/Packages: Helps manage files, view plots, and install packages.
Running Your First R Code
Let’s try running a simple R command in the Console:
print('Hello, R!')Creating and Saving Scripts
Instead of typing directly in the Console, you can write R scripts.
- Click File > New File > R Script.
- Type your R code.
- Click Save to store your script for later use.
Using Comments in R
Comments in R start with #. They help explain code.
# This is a comment
print('R is fun!')Installing and Loading Packages
R has a rich set of packages to extend its functionality.
install.packages('ggplot2')
library(ggplot2)Setting Your Working Directory
To specify where your files are stored:
setwd('C:/Users/YourName/Documents')Congratulations!
You have successfully set up R and RStudio! Now you can start coding in R.
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Write and run real code in your browser, get instant help from a 24/7 AI tutor, and pick up where you left off on the web or in the app.
- Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the “Getting Started with RStudio” lesson free?
Yes — any 3 lessons of the R Academy learning path, including “Getting Started with RStudio”, are free to read in full here on the web. After that, CoddyKit PRO unlocks every lesson, plus interactive practice with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. The R Academy course includes 3 lessons in total.
What will I learn in “Getting Started with RStudio”?
Learn how to install R and RStudio, and explore the IDE’s layout to run your first lines of code. You practise R Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start R Academy?
No prior experience is required. R Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace. This is lesson 1 of 3.
How long does the “Getting Started with RStudio” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this R Academy lesson?
Yes. Every R Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Getting Started with RStudio
- Basic Arithmetic and Variables
- Workspaces and Projects