How-To: Using VS Code as IDE in Conda Environment for Python and R Development - Windows

How do I use VS Code as the integrated development environment (IDE) in a Conda environment for Python and R development in Windows?

1. Using Anaconda Prompt, create Conda environment for use with R, enter "conda create -n <env-name> -c conda-forge r-base r-essentials r-languageserver" on the command line.

Example environment: r_env_t4

How-To: RStudio: Create Conda Environment for Using RStudio

2. Activate new conda environment, enter "conda activate <env-name>" on the command line.

Example environment: r_env_t4

How-To: Using Anaconda - Activate a Virtual Conda Environment via Command Line Interface

3. Launch VS Code from the prompt, enter "code" on the command line.

4. In VS Code, install Python extension by Microsoft.

a. Select Extensions icon.

b. Enter "python" in Extensions: Marketplace search box.

c. Select "Install" for the Python language support... by Microsoft.

5. Install R extension by REditorSupport.

a. Enter "R" in Extensions: Marketplace search box.

b. Select "Install" for the R Extension for Visual Studio Code by REditorSupport.

6. Extensions installed.

7.  Create new project folder.

a. Select Explorer icon.

b. Select the New Folder icon.

c. Enter new project folder name.

8. Create a new R file in project directory

9. Add command print("Hello!") to new file.

10. Run file to verify R integration.

11. Verify operation and integration.

a. Confirm output "Hello!".

b. Confirm R version is displayed.

c. Enter R.home() and confirm result path is within active Conda environment.

Example: /Users/<username>/miniconda3/envs/r_t4_env/lib/R

https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/languages/r

For additional assistance or questions about this article, please contact itrss@missouri.edu