How to use the command Rscript (with examples)
The Rscript command is used to run scripts with the R programming language. It allows users to execute scripts, run R expressions, display the R version, and more. This article will provide examples of each use case and explain the arguments used in the command.
Use case 1: Run a script
Code:
Rscript path/to/file.R
Motivation: Running a script is the primary use case of the Rscript command. This allows users to execute pre-written R code stored in a script file.
Explanation:
Rscript- Command to run the script with the R programming language.path/to/file.R- Path to the R script file that needs to be executed.
Example output:
Output generated by the R script specified in path/to/file.R
Use case 2: Run a script in vanilla mode
Code:
Rscript --vanilla path/to/file.R
Motivation: Running a script in vanilla mode ensures that the R session is a blank session and does not save the workspace at the end. This can be useful when the script needs to be completely independent of any previous R sessions.
Explanation:
Rscript- Command to run the script with the R programming language.--vanilla- Option to run the script in vanilla mode.path/to/file.R- Path to the R script file that needs to be executed.
Example output:
Output generated by the R script specified in path/to/file.R
Use case 3: Execute one or more R expressions
Code:
Rscript -e expression1 -e expression2
Motivation: Executing R expressions allows users to quickly perform specific computations or calculations without the need for a script file.
Explanation:
Rscript- Command to run R expressions with the R programming language.-e- Option to indicate that an R expression follows.expression1- The first R expression to be executed.-e- Option to indicate that another R expression follows.expression2- The second R expression to be executed.
Example output:
Output generated by the execution of expression1
Output generated by the execution of expression2
Use case 4: Display R version
Code:
Rscript --version
Motivation: Displaying the R version can be useful to verify if a specific version of R is installed or to ensure compatibility with certain packages or scripts.
Explanation:
Rscript- Command to run the script with the R programming language.--version- Option to display the R version.
Example output:
R version 4.1.0 (2021-05-18)
Conclusion:
The Rscript command is a versatile tool for running scripts and executing R expressions. Its various options, such as vanilla mode and version display, provide flexibility for different use cases. By utilizing these options, users can efficiently run R code and perform desired computations.
