How do I work with Directory in R?

After installing R and RStudio, the question is now how to start using R/RStudio. In this article, we’ll describe how to run RStudio and to set up your working directory.

Using R outside RStudio

If its your first time using R

List of some common command you will require before stating R

cd       // Change directory
mkdir    // Make a directory
rmdir    // Remove a directory
dir()    // List all files and subdirectories in that directory
getwd()  // To get the current working directory
setwd()  // To set the current working directory

Under Wiwndows and MAC OSX

1. Create a subdirectory, named R, in your “Documents” folder. This subfolder will also be known as the working directory, will be used by R to read and save files.
2. Now Launch R by double-clicking on the R icon.
3. Specify your working directory to R:
   • On Windows: File -> Change
   • On MAC OSX: Tools -> Change the working directory

Under Linux

• Open the shell prompt
• Create a working directory, named R, using “mkdir” command

$ mkdir R
$ cd R/

• Start the R Program with the command “R”:

$ R

• To quit R program , use this:

$ q()

Under R inside RStudio

Launch RStudio under Windows, MAC OSX and Linux

After installing R and RStudio, launch RStudio from your computer “application folders”.

RStudio is a four pane work-space for 1) creating file containing R script, 2) viewing command histories, 3) typing R commands, 4) viewing plots and more.

Change your working directory

1. Create a sub-directory named “R” in your “Documents” folder
2. From RStudio, use the menu to change your working directory under Session > Set Working Directory > Choose Directory.
3. Choose the directory you’ve just created in step 1

You can also you console to set and view working directory

• To view the working directory type

> getwd()
[1] "C:/Users/Admin/Desktop"

• To change or set working directory type

> setwd("C:/Users/Admin/Documents/R")

Set a default working directory

A default working directory is a folder where RStudio goes, every time you open it. You can change the default working directory from RStudio menu under: Tools –> Global options –> click on “Browse” to select the default working directory you want.

Closing R/RStudio session

Each time you close R/RStudio, you will be asked whether you want to save the data from your R session. If you decide to save, the data will be available in future R sessions.

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