How to Install R Packages from Command Line

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of installing R packages directly from the command line. R is a powerful programming language widely used for statistical computing and graphics. Knowing how to install packages from the command line can streamline your workflow and help you manage dependencies efficiently.

Step 1: Open Terminal or Command Prompt

To begin, launch your terminal or command prompt. You can use Terminal on macOS or Command Prompt on Windows.

Step 2: Install a Package

Use the following command to install a package. Replace package_name with the name of the package you want to install:

Rscript -e "install.packages('package_name')"

Step 3: Verify Installation

To ensure that the package was installed successfully, you can load the package in R. Use the following command in your R script:

library(package_name)

Step 4: Update Packages

Keeping your packages up to date is important. Use the following command to update all installed packages:

Rscript -e "update.packages(ask = FALSE)"

Step 5: Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to install R packages from the command line. This skill will significantly enhance your R programming experience.