# Quick Start: Testing R in VSCode

## Step 1: Install R Extensions
1. Open VSCode
2. Go to Extensions panel (Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for and install:
   - "R" by REditorSupport
   - "R Debugger" by RDebugger
   - "R LSP Client" by REditorSupport

## Step 2: Create Your First R File
1. Create a new file (Ctrl+N)
2. Save it with `.R` extension (e.g., `test.R`)
3. Type some basic R code:
   ```r
   print("Hello R!")
   x <- 1:5
   mean(x)
   ```

## Step 3: Run R Code in VSCode
### Method A: Using R Terminal
1. Open Terminal in VSCode (Ctrl+` )
2. Type `R` to start R interactive session
3. Type commands directly:
   ```r
   > 2 + 2
   [1] 4
   > plot(1:10)
   ```

### Method B: Run Entire Script
1. Open your `.R` file
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+P
3. Type "R: Run Source" and press Enter
4. Output appears in R Terminal

### Method C: Run Selected Code
1. Select code in your R file
2. Right-click → "Run Selected Line(s)"
3. Or use shortcut: Ctrl+Enter

## Step 4: View Plots
1. Run plot commands in R terminal:
   ```r
   plot(1:10, main="Test Plot")
   ```
2. Plots appear in VSCode's Plot viewer panel

## Step 5: Use R Markdown (Optional)
1. Create new file with `.Rmd` extension
2. Add code chunks:
   ```r
   ```{r}
   summary(mtcars)
   ```
   ```
3. Click "Knit" button to render document

## Step 6: Debug R Code
1. Set breakpoint by clicking left margin
2. Press F5 to start debugging
3. Step through code with F10/F11

## Quick Test Commands to Try
In R terminal, test these:
```r
# Basic math
2 + 2
sqrt(16)

# Create data
data <- c(1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
mean(data)

# Simple plot
plot(data, type="l", col="blue")

# Check packages
installed.packages()[1:5,]
```

## What You Should See
- ✅ Code completion as you type
- ✅ Syntax highlighting
- ✅ R terminal with `>` prompt
- ✅ Plots in separate viewer
- ✅ Variable values in debugger

## Troubleshooting
- If R isn't found: Check R path in extension settings
- Restart VSCode after installing extensions
- Ensure R is in system PATH