How-To: RStudio: Use Reticulate Package to Manage R-Python Integration

Question

How do I use the R reticulate package to manage R-Python integration?

 

Answer

1. Create and activate a new Conda environment for use with R & Rstudio.

Note:  To create a Conda environment for using RStudio, see "How-To: RStudio: Create Conda Environment for Using RStudio"

 

2. Set conda-forge channel to highest priority in channel list.

 

3. Install any python packages needed to be used in the Conda environment.

Example package: pandas

Note:  If using pandas as the example in Steps 8 & 9, pandas will need to be installed in Step 3.

 

4. Set path and launch RStudio.

 

5. Create new R project without renv. The below instructions can be followed, but do not check the renv box.

Note:  To create a new project in RStudio, see " How-To: RStudio: Create a New Project with Renv "

 

6. In the RStudio console, install reticulate package using install.packages(). 

R prompt with install.package reticulate on command line

 

7.  Load the reticulate package using library(). 

R prompt with library reticulate

 

8. Back in Anaconda Prompt, 

a. Enter "conda env list" to list conda environments.

b. Copy active environment to the clipboard.

Example active environment: rs_t3

Anaconda prompt with conda env list and command results with active environment rs t3 being selected for copy.

 

9. In the RStudio console, configure the conda environment using use_condaenv().

Example: use_condaenv(condaenv = "rs_t3")

R prompt with use_condaenv condaenv equals sign rs underscore t3

 

10. Install Python libraries using py_require().

Example: py_require("pandas") 

R prompt with py_require opening parentheses quote mark pandas quote mark closing parentheses

 

11. Import & use modules.

Example: pandas <- import("pandas")

R prompt with pandas less than symbol and hyphen forming a left pointing arrow import left parentheses double quotation mark pandas quotation mark right parentheses

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