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 — lesson 1 of 3. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the R Academy learning path, one of 3 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
Running Your First R Code
Let’s try running a simple R command in the Console:
print('Hello, R!')5
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.
6
Using Comments in R
Comments in R start with #. They help explain code.
# This is a comment
print('R is fun!')7
Installing and Loading Packages
R has a rich set of packages to extend its functionality.
install.packages('ggplot2')
library(ggplot2)8
9
Setting Your Working Directory
To specify where your files are stored:
setwd('C:/Users/YourName/Documents')10
Congratulations!
You have successfully set up R and RStudio! Now you can start coding in R.
Frequently asked questions
Is the “Getting Started with RStudio” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “Getting Started with RStudio” is free to read here on the web, and the R Academy course includes 3 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the R Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
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; this is — lesson 1 of 3, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
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