R Programming Unit I: Questions and
Answers
## Unit I: Introduction to R (30 Marks)
### 1 Mark Questions
1. **What is R?**
R is a programming language and a software environment that is specifically designed for
statistical computing, graphical representation, and data analysis. It is widely used among
statisticians and data miners for developing statistical software and performing data
analysis.
**Example:** `mean(c(1, 2, 3))` uses R's built-in `mean()` function to calculate the average.
2. **Name one difference between NA and NULL in R.**
NA represents a missing or undefined value in a data structure, while NULL indicates the
absence of a value or an empty object in R. NA is used in vectors or data frames to denote
incomplete data, whereas NULL represents a complete lack of an object.
**Example:** `x <- c(1, NA, 3)` vs. `y <- NULL`
3. **What is a vectorized operation?**
A vectorized operation in R refers to the ability to perform operations on entire vectors or
data structures without the need for explicit loops. This feature makes R code more efficient
and concise.
**Example:** `x <- 1:3; x * 2` results in `2 4 6`
4. **Mention one data type in R.**
Numeric is one of the basic data types in R, which includes both integer and decimal
values used in mathematical operations.
**Example:** `a <- 3.14`
5. **Which symbol is used to assign a value to a variable in R?**
The `<-` symbol is commonly used to assign values to variables in R.
**Example:** `x <- 5`
6. **What does RStudio provide in addition to R?**
RStudio is an integrated development environment (IDE) that provides a user-friendly
interface, including syntax highlighting, debugging tools, file management, plotting
capabilities, and workspace organization to enhance productivity in R programming.
**Example:** Writing and executing code in the RStudio script pane and viewing output in
the console pane.
### 2 Marks Questions
1. **Explain the setup process of R and RStudio.**
To set up R, first download the R software from the Comprehensive R Archive Network
(CRAN) and install it on your computer. Next, download RStudio from its official website
and install it. Once installed, RStudio detects the R installation and provides a convenient
interface for programming.
**Example:** After installation, open RStudio and type `print("Hello World")` in the
console to test.
2. **What are subsetting operations? Give an example.**
Subsetting operations in R allow you to extract elements from data structures like vectors,
matrices, and data frames using indexing.
**Example:** `x <- c(10, 20, 30); x[1:2]` returns the first two elements: `10 20`
3. **Define NA and NULL with examples.**
NA is used to represent missing values in data. NULL represents the absence of a value or
empty object.
**Example:** `x <- c(1, NA, 3)` for NA, `y <- NULL` for NULL. Use `is.na(x)` or `is.null(y)` to
check them.
4. **What are operators in R? List any two.**
Operators in R are symbols that perform operations on variables and values.
**Example:** `+` (addition): `3 + 2 = 5`, `==` (equality): `3 == 3` returns `TRUE`
### 4 Marks Questions
1. **Write a short R program that calculates the square of numbers from 1 to 10 and stores
it in a vector.**
```R
x <- 1:10
squares <- x^2
print(squares)
```
This program uses vectorized operations to square each element of the sequence from 1 to
10.
**Example Output:** `1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100`
2. **Explain different types of data types used in R with examples.**
R supports various data types:
- Numeric: Numbers with decimals. `x <- 3.14`
- Integer: Whole numbers with `L`. `y <- 5L`
- Character: Text. `z <- "Hello"`
- Logical: TRUE/FALSE. `a <- TRUE`
- Complex: Complex numbers. `b <- 1 + 2i`
These data types serve different purposes in analysis.
3. **What are coding standards in R? Why are they important?**
Coding standards are conventions for writing code that is easy to read, debug, and
maintain. These include meaningful variable names, proper indentation, code commenting,
and avoiding hardcoding.
**Example:**
```R
# Good naming and commenting
student_score <- 85
print(student_score) # Output the score
```
4. **Explain the concept of vectorized operations with an example.**
Vectorized operations perform actions on entire vectors. They eliminate the need for
loops.
**Example:**
```R
x <- 1:5
y <- x * 2
print(y) # Output: 2 4 6 8 10
```
### 6 Marks Questions
1. **Describe in detail the basic syntax of R with examples.**
Basic syntax includes assigning variables using `<-`, using functions like `print()`, creating
vectors using `c()`, and using control statements.
**Example:**
```R
x <- c(10, 20, 30)
avg <- mean(x)
print(avg) # Output: 20
```
Syntax is crucial for error-free execution.
2. **Compare and contrast NA and NULL values with code examples.**
NA is used for missing elements, while NULL is used for empty or undefined objects. NA
exists in structures; NULL removes structure entirely.
**Example:**
```R
a <- c(1, NA, 3)
b <- NULL
is.na(a) # TRUE for second element
is.null(b) # TRUE
length(a) #3
length(b) #0
```
3. **Explain the process to install and set up R and RStudio on a Windows system.**
- Visit CRAN and download R installer.
- Install R using default settings.
- Visit RStudio website and download RStudio.
- Install RStudio, which automatically detects R.
- Open RStudio, type code in the script pane, and run.
**Example:** Run `print("Setup Complete")` to verify.
4. **Discuss various operators in R with their usage and examples.**
Types of operators:
- Arithmetic: `+`, `-`, `*`, `/`
- Example: `5 * 2` results in `10`
- Relational: `==`, `!=`, `<`, `>`
- Example: `5 != 3` returns `TRUE`
- Logical: `&`, `|`, `!`
- Example: `TRUE & FALSE` returns `FALSE`
- Assignment: `<-`, `=`
- Example: `x <- 100`
Operators help in constructing logical and mathematical expressions.
