Installing R and Rstudio

In order to use R, you will have to install both R and RStudio. R is the programming language itself, while RStudio is a user-friendly interface for using R.

R and RStudio are free and open-source.

RStudio is a powerful interface that can be used not only for R but also for other programming languages such as Python, C++, and others. In RStudio, not only can you write, run, and debug code, but it also offers features like project management and data visualisation.

R Official Logo

Installing R

Installing R on macOS

  • Click on the latest version of R at https://www.stats.bris.ac.uk/R/bin/macosx/

    • For instance, the latest version (October 2025) for the new Apple silicon (M1/M2) Macs is called R-4.5.2-arm64.pkg

  • Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.

  • Once the installation is complete, you can find R in your Applications folder.

Installing R on PC

  • Click on the latest version of R link at https://www.stats.bris.ac.uk/R/bin/windows/base/

    • For instance, the latest version (October 2025) on Windows is called R-4.5.2-win.exe

  • Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.

  • Once the installation is complete, you can find R in your Applications folder.

Installing RStudio

RStudio Logo

Installing RStudio on macOS

  • Visit the RStudio website at https://posit.co
  • Click on the “Download RStudio” button.
  • Download the RStudio Desktop version.
  • Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file.
  • Drag the RStudio icon to the Applications folder to install it.
  • You can now find RStudio in your Applications folder.

Installing RStudio on PC

  • Visit the RStudio website at https://posit.co
  • Click on the “Download RStudio” button.
  • Download the RStudio Desktop version. Scroll down if you do not see the lastest Windows version.
  • Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file.
  • Follow the installation instructions and choose the default options.
  • You can now find RStudio in your Start menu.

That’s it! After following these steps, you should have R and RStudio installed on your computer.

If you are experiencing issues installing R, have a look at the official guide at https://rstudio-education.github.io/hopr/starting.html

“Going with the flow”