Learn R Programming
R is a powerful, open-source language widely used in data analysis, statistics, and machine learning.
It provides a strong foundation for building reliable and efficient data-driven applications, particularly in academic research, business analytics, and scientific computing.
Because R is used in multiple fields, there is a good demand for R developers, with good base salaries.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Beginner's Guide to R
- Is R for You? (Hint: If you enjoy solving puzzles, probably yes!)
- Best Way to Learn R (Your way!)
- How to Run an R Program?
If you are simply looking to learn R step-by-step, you can follow our free tutorials in the next section.
Beginner's Guide to R
Our tutorials will provide you with a strong foundation in R and prepare you for the next step in your career.
Is R for you?
Whether R is the right choice depends on your programming goals and career aspirations..
R from a Learning Perspective
If you're interested in data science, statistics, or academic research, R could be a strong option.
R is a language specifically designed for statistical computing and data analysis, making it a preferred choice for data professionals.
It excels in handling and visualizing large datasets, conducting statistical tests, and generating detailed reports.
Many people who work in data-heavy fields choose R for its vast ecosystem of packages tailored for data manipulation, machine learning, and statistical analysis.
R as a Career Choice
R is a widely used language, particularly in fields that involve large amounts of data and statistical analysis. It is extensively used in:
- Data Science and Analytics
- Statistical Computing
- Bioinformatics
- Machine Learning and more
Learning R can significantly enhance your career prospects, especially if you're aiming to work in data-driven industries.
There are certain fields where choosing R might not be your best option. For example, if you're more interested in frontend development, JavaScript would be a better choice, or if game development is your focus, C++ would be a more suitable option than R.
Ultimately, your career choice is important in deciding whether R is right for you.
Best Ways to Learn R
There is no right or wrong way to learn R. It all depends on your learning style and pace.
In this section, we have included the best R learning resources tailored to your learning preferences, be it text-based, video-based, or interactive courses.
Text-based Tutorial
Best For: Those committed to learning R but prefer not to spend money on it.
If you want to learn R for free with a well-organized, step-by-step tutorial, you can use our free Learn R Programming - For Beginners course.
Our tutorials will guide you through R one step at a time, using practical examples to strengthen your foundation.
Interactive Course
Best For: Those who want hands-on learning, get their progress tracked, and maintain a learning streak
Learning to code is tough. It requires dedication and consistency, and you need to write tons of code yourself.
While videos and tutorials provide you with a step-by-step guide, they lack hands-on experience and structure.
Recognizing all these challenges, Datacamp provides beginner friendly courses that introduces you to the R programming by providing an interactive platform.
Online Video
Best For: Audio-visual learners who learn by watching others code and following along.
There's a popular youtube video by the FreecodeCamp community available on YouTube to further guide you on your R journey with real-world programs .
Important: You cannot learn to code without developing the habit of writing code yourself. Therefore, whatever method you choose, always write code.
As you write code, you'll encounter errors. Don't worry about them; try to understand them and find solutions. Remember, programming is all about solving problems, and errors are part of the process.
How to Run R?
1. Run R in your browser.
We have created an online editor to run R directly in your browser. You don't have to go through a tedious installation process. It's completely free, and you can start coding right away.
2. Install R on Your Computer.
Once you start writing complex programs and creating projects, you should definitely install R on your computer. This is especially necessary when you are working with projects that involve multiple files and folders.
To install R on your device, you can use this guide.