Guide to Installing and Maintaining R in RStudio and Its Packages

Using `pacman` in R provides several advantages over traditional methods of package management (`install.packages()`, `library()`, and `require()`). Here’s why someone should consider using pacman. This guide utilizes a method I have been employing now for several years.

Installation of Required Packages

To ensure you have the necessary package management tools, install and load the `pacman` package:

install.packages("pacman")
library(pacman)        

Loading Packages Using pacman

Use `p_load` from pacman to load multiple packages efficiently (this list is not exhaustive; The `pacman::p_load()` function in R can handle a large number of packages, essentially as many as your system's memory and R environment can support. There is no strict upper limit imposed by pacman itself).

p_load(car, dplyr, matrixStats, questionr, stringr, tidycensus, tidyverse, tidyr)        

Updating R Version Within RStudio

To update R from within RStudio, use the `installr` package:

install.packages("installr")
library(installr)
updater()        

Note: After updating R, you may need to manually configure RStudio to use the latest version. Navigate to: Tools > Global Options > R Sessions > R Versions and select the latest installed version.

Managing Installed Packages with renv

Using the `renv` package helps maintain a stable R environment with a reproducible list of installed packages.

Install and Initialize renv

install.packages("renv")
renv::init()        

Ensure that your R scripts and projects are stored within the renv project directory for proper package tracking.

Installing or Updating Packages in renv

renv::install()        

Managing Installed Packages with a Text File

Another method for keeping track of installed packages is by maintaining a text file (packages.txt) listing all required packages:

car
dplyr
matrixStats
questionr
stringr
tidycensus
tidyverse
tidyr        

Reinstall Packages from packages.txt

# Set working directory to location of the file
setwd("...")

# Read package list and install them
packages <- readLines("Packages.txt")
for (package in packages) {
  install.packages(package)
}        

Caveat: This method requires manual tracking of all installed packages.

Summary

• Use `pacman` to simplify package loading.
• Update R using `installr` and ensure RStudio points to the correct version.
• Use `renv` for project-specific package management.
• Keep a packages.txt file as an alternative method for tracking installed packages.