Introduction to R Data Types

About this Class

This is the second class in the NIH Library Introduction to R Series. A basic understanding of R and RStudio is expected. This class provides a basic overview of R data types, data frames, and factors. Additionally, this class will cover indexing and subsetting data frames, and dealing with missing data. R is a programming language and open source environment for statistical computing and graphics. The R class series is a comprehensive collection of training sessions offered by the NIH Library Data Services program that is designed to teach non-programmers how to write modular code and to introduce best practices for using R for data analysis and data visualization. Each class uses both evidence-based best practices for programming and practical hands-on lessons. By the end of this class, participants should be able to: define R data frames; characterize how to inspect data frames; list the major methods for describing the content and structure of data frames; illustrate how to index and subset a data frame; describe how to use comparison operators on a data frame; discuss R factors; describe how to convert R factors; describe how to rename factors; discuss options for dealing with missing data in R; and describe how to save data in R. Participants are encouraged to install R and RStudio before the class so that they can follow along with the instructor. Attendees will need to download the class data before the class. Registration