RStudio FAQs

Q: What is RStudio?
A: RStudio is an integrated development software (IDE) for R. It allows you to run R but displays it in a slightly different way than if you were to just open and use R on its own. 

Q: Do I need RStudio to run R?
A: Nope! You can run R on its own without RStudio and RStudio does not allow you to do anything that R on its own cannot do. 

Q: Why would I use RStudio?
A: For some people, RStudio makes R a bit more convenient to use. As examples, many people find installing additional R packages, importing datasets, and saving R code are things that are easier to do using RStudio than just using R. RStudio also "helps" you with your R code by offering function suggestions as you type. 

Q: Can I access RStudio on campus computers?
A: Yes! RStudio should be available on all lab room computers in the Math Sciences (MS) building and on the computers in the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL).

Q: Can I install RStudio on my own computer?
A: Yes! Please see the Installing RStudio guide for instructions on how to download and install RStudio. Note that you will need to install R first before installing RStudio. 

Q: How much does RStudio cost?
A: RStudio is free!

Please see below for a link to the RStudio website, as well as a PDF and video with instructions on how to install RStudio.