Software for 431

The course makes heavy use of the R statistical programming language, and several related tools, most especially the RStudio development environment. Every bit of this software is free to use, and open-source.

• You will need access to a computer to do your work for this class, not just an iPad or other tablet, but an actual computer.
• It will likely be easier for you to have a laptop in class that you can use freely, but all necessary computer work in 431 can be done outside of the classroom.
• You do not need a state of the art machine, nor should you need any special hardware.

Installing R and R Studio

The installation steps you need to complete are:

1. Download and install the latest version of R (version 4.6.1 or later) from https://cran.case.edu/ or, if you prefer, from https://cloud.r-project.org/ which automatically chooses a fast, nearby mirror for you.

   • If you have a pre-existing installation of R and/or RStudio, you will have an easier time this semester if you re-install both to get current.

2. Download and install RStudio Desktop (Open Source Edition - 2026.07.1-147 or later) by visiting this link.

   • If you are familiar with the Positron development environment and prefer to use it, that might be OK, but the 431 staff will exclusively use and support RStudio.

Installing R Packages and Data/Code for 431

After you’ve completed steps 1 and 2 above, move on to these tasks:

3. Install some R packages - an R “package” is a collection of functions, data, and documentation that extends the capabilities of R, and is the critical way to get R doing interesting work.

   • Visit https://github.com/THOMASELOVE/431-packages for details and the list of packages we want you to install for 431.

4. Download 431-specific data and code (functions) at https://github.com/THOMASELOVE/431-data, following the instructions there.

Need Installation Help?

If you need more help, you might look at this terrific resource for Installing R and RStudio from Jenny Bryan and the STAT 545 project.

• If you’re having trouble with installation before our first class, don’t worry too much. The TAs and Professor Love will be available to help once the class gets going.
• Once the class starts, if you’re having installation problems or problems getting started in R, please consider visiting TA office hours or contacting us in another way.

Updating Your R Packages

Every few times you open RStudio, it’s a good idea to update your R packages. To do so,

1. Go to the Packages tab on the right side of your RStudio screen, and click on Update.

2. This will bring up a dialog box. I usually click Select All, then click Install Updates.

   • A popup box may appear, asking “Do you want to install from sources the packages which need compilation?” to which I usually answer No. A Yes response leads to a slower installation, but can solve problems if you still have them after updating.
   • This may take a few minutes. As long as you’re seeing activity in the Console window, things are progressing.
   • Eventually, you’ll get a message that “The downloaded source packages are in …” with a directory name. That’s the sign that the updating is done.
   • Updating packages is something you’ll do occasionally throughout the semester, mostly when a problem happens.

3. Finally, choose File … Quit Session from the top menu, and accept or deny (I usually deny) RStudio’s request to save your workspace. Then close RStudio, and re-open it if you want to do some work.

For More Information

We’ll provide a lot of information in class on the use of this software. Visit our Resources page for additional suggestions.