Getting Started with R and Github

This guide will help you install the software needed before our website workshop. No prior coding experience is required.

Getting Started with R

How to Download R

R is a programming language used for data analysis and creating websites with Quarto.

Navigate to The Comprehensive R Archive Network and follow the directions to download and install R.

There are separate versions for Mac, Linux, and Windows users based on your machine.

How to Download R Studio

RStudio is an application that makes it easier to work with R.

Navigate to RStudio Desktop and follow the directions to install RStudio.

Getting Started with Github

How to Make a Personal GitHub

GitHub is a website that stores and shares code projects online.

Navigate to Creating an account on GitHub and follow the directions to begin.

How to Download Git

Git allows your computer to communicate with GitHub.

This step is vital in connecting your GitHub to your RStudio. Navigate to Git Install on your machine and follow directions to install.

Connecting Everything Together

Configuring Git with your Details

Open the Terminal in RStudio by following the path Tools > Terminal > New Terminal. Copy and paste the following commands one at a time, replacing the example information with your own, and press enter after each command:

git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

To connect your RStudio with GitHub, go to Tools > Global Options > Git/SVN. Check the box to Enable version control interface for RStudio projects. Click OK and restart RStudio.

Check That Git Is Connected

In RStudio, go to Tools > Global Options > Git/SVN

If you see a path listed next to “Git executable”, then Git has been successfully installed.

Please bring your GitHub username and password to the workshop.

Need Help?

If you need help with the above steps, please reach out to Kendall Thomas (ketho@unc.edu) or Abigail Mabe (amabe@unc.edu) with questions!

You should be ready for our website workshop! We look forward to seeing you there!