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Getting_started.Rmd
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Getting_started.Rmd
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---
title: "Getting started"
author: "Steven Moran and Alena Witzlack-Makarevich"
date: "(`r format(Sys.time(), '%d %B, %Y')`)"
output:
github_document:
toc: true
---
***
# Getting started
To get started with this course, you will need to [install](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Installation_(computer_programs)) several software packages and get to know how to use them. Follow all the steps that you need below.
For detailed instruction, see also:
* https://moderndive.com/1-getting-started.html
# R
This course assumes you are familiar with the basics of the [R programming language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R_(programming_language)). If you are not, please familiarize yourself with the basics. There are many tutorials out there! Here is a free one from [DataCamp](https://www.datacamp.com):
* https://app.datacamp.com/learn/courses/free-introduction-to-r
Here's some history about R and a description of what it is used for and by whom:
* https://www.datacamp.com/blog/all-about-r
# RStudio
Install [RStudio](https://www.rstudio.com), unless you are already an R pro and prefer some other [GUI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface), [CLI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command-line_interface), or [computer program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_program) that allows you to [create R markdown](https://rmarkdown.rstudio.com/authoring_quick_tour.html) reports that will be stored in your GitHub repository. Note: be weary of automatic spell checking -- and presumably grammar checking -- in RStudio.
There are a lot of tutorials out there about RStudio. Here are two useful ones:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIrsOBy5k58
* https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/r-studio-tutorial
# What is the difference between R and RStudio?
Here is a good description of the difference between R and RStudio:
* https://moderndive.com/1-getting-started.html
See in particular Figure 1.1: Analogy of difference between R and RStudio.
# Make sure that RStudio works
You should see something like this when you open **RStudio**. (You will not need to open **R** directly.)
Then create an RMarkdown file.
Give it a title or leave it "Untitled". Hit OK.
Now you should have a basic RMarkdown file, like this:
Click on the **Knit** button and it will prompt you to save the file. Save it somewhere on your computer.
Then RStudio should "knit" (aka "[compile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compiler)") your RMarkdown file and display it for you.
# Spreadsheets
You will also want a [spreadsheet program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spreadsheet), so that you can look at and manipulate data in [tabular formats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_(information)). Here are some options:
* [Google sheets](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/?ec=asw-sheets-hero-goto) -- online
* [Microsoft Excel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Excel) -- Microsoft
* [Numbers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbers_(spreadsheet)) -- macOS
Here is an excellent introduction to Excel ("You Suck at Excel with Joel Spolsky") for advanced topics:
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nbkaYsR94c
# Text editor (optional, but suggested)
You may need a good [text editor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Text_editor) to access and edit [plain text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_text). Please try to understand the difference between plain text and so-called [rich text](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formatted_text). For example, a good text editor is not [Microsoft Word](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Word) -- MS Word is a good rich text editor. Depending on your computer's [operating system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system), you might consider for example:
* [BBEdit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBEdit): https://www.barebones.com/products/bbedit/ ([macOS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS))
* [Notepad++](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notepad%2B%2B): https://notepad-plus-plus.org ([Microsoft Windows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows))
If you are using some form of [Linux](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux) you probably already know what you're doing.
Note: there are many other plain text editor software programs out there. [LMGTFY](https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/lmgtfy/):
* [https://www.google.com/search?&q=best+plain+text+editors](https://www.google.com/search?&q=best+plain+text+editors)