CPD 217- An ASC2025 Workshop: Introduction to R packages

Do you have R code you want to share? You can transform your R code into a shareable tool by developing it into an R package. This course bridges the gap between writing isolated R functions and creating documented packages that can be easily distributed, and is designed for those who might be curious about R package development but haven't had the time or guidance to get started.

You'll learn the essential tools of the trade: `usethis` and `devtools` for package structure, `roxygen2` for documentation, `testthat` for testing, and Git/GitHub for sharing your work.

Whether you're looking to organise your personal code collection or contribute to the broader R ecosystem, this course provides the foundation you need.

Prerequisites

- Comfortable with some R fundamentals (data types, functions, reading data).
- Experience writing basic R scripts.
- No prior experience with package development required.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Create the basic structure of an R package.
- Manage dependencies with `usethis` and `devtools`.
- Create documentation with `roxygen2`.
- Write and run unit tests with `testthat` to verify package functionality.
- Use Git and GitHub to put your R package online.
- Understand next steps for advanced package development, including:
- Automatically run tests with continuous integration via GitHub Actions.
- Make your R package easily installable with the [R Universe] (https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/guj-CK1qwBSDR2y99CMf7t5y8Fr?domain=r-universe.dev).
- Create professional package websites using `pkgdown`. 

About the Presenter

Dr. Nicholas (Nick) Tierney is a [Research Software Engineer] (https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/kCXpCL7rxDskzRDXXfqhytyp8Ke?domain=researchsoftware.org)

and freelance consultant with a PhD in Statistics who specialises in data analytics, R package development, and teaching. He wrote his first R package in 2015, [neato], (https://github.com/njtierney/neato)

after being inspired by Dr. Hilary Parker's blog post ["writing an R package from scratch"] (https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0hHGCMwvygs2nqy99tJiOt8-R33?domain=hilaryparker.com).

Cancellations received prior to two weeks before the event will be refunded, minus the Stripe processing fee (1.75% + $0.30 per transaction) and an SSA administration fee of $20.

From then on, no part of the registration fee will be refunded. However, registrations are transferable within the same organisation. Please advise any changes to events@statsoc.org.au.