Project Setup
This page will describe the process of setting up an R project, the different files and folder structures.
Setting up an R Project
Working with an R project can be useful when working with multiple files over a longer period of time. When opening the project, the working directory is automatically set to the directory where the project (and the corresponding files) are stored in.
To set up a project, open RStudio and select File -> New Project. Choose “New Directory”, then “New Project” and give your project a name and choose a directory to set it up in. Lastly click “Create Project” and you’re set!
After following the steps above, a folder with the chosen name will appear in the chosen directory, containing an .Rproj-file. All files which are connected to this project will be stored in this folder, alongside the .Rproj-file, so when the project is openend, all previously opened files (from the last session) will be opened again. The working directory will be automatically be set to this folder as well.
Creating an .Rmd-file
To create a new .Rmd file from RStudio select File -> New File -> R Markdown.
If this file should be part of an R project, do not forget to save it in the corresponding project folder.
Creating an .R-file
To create a new .R file from RStudio select File -> New File -> R Script.
If this file should be part of an R project, do not forget to save it in the corresponding project folder again.
Important things to consider
When refering to any other files/pictures/etc., it is advisble to use relative paths. This is necessary so these paths are still valid when sharing the projcet or files with other people and when converting the exercise files to the desired output.
When including pictures or files, it is best to store them in a seperate folder alongside the exercises.