R Programming Essentials with Microsoft Tools

Overview

Begin your R programming journey with this foundational course that combines essential programming concepts with Microsoft's professional development environment. Through five comprehensive modules, you'll master R basics while working with Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot. Starting with fundamental concepts like variables and data structures, you'll progress to working with real data and implementing version control. The course features hands-on projects, AI-assisted coding practice, and culminates in creating your first complete R programming project.

Syllabus

Getting Started with R and Visual Studio Code

In this first module, you'll become familiar with R, a language used to organize, analyze, and visualize data in your workplace. You will set up your workspace in Microsoft Visual Studio Code, learn how to navigate the basic interface, and start writing your first simple commands. This module will guide you step-by-step from the very start.

R Programming Fundamentals

In Module 2, you'll learn important building blocks for working comfortably with data using R. You will practice creating and using variables, managing different kinds of data structures, like vectors and tables, and start making decisions in your code using conditional statements and loops. You will also write simple, reusable functions to save time and handle common workplace tasks effectively.

Working with Data

In this module, you'll learn practical skills to bring data into R, organize it clearly, and tidy things up when data isn't perfect (which is common in the workplace). You'll also find out how to do simple calculations and create straightforward reports to summarize information clearly for your team. This will help you feel more confident using R to handle everyday data tasks at work.

Version Control and AI Assistance

In this module, you'll learn how to keep track of your work and collaborate using Git and GitHub, tools many professionals rely on to manage their work projects efficiently. You'll also discover how to use GitHub Copilot, an AI assistant that guides and supports you while writing code, simplifying tasks and saving you valuable time. By the end, you'll have strategies to manage your projects, use AI assistance confidently, and document your coding steps for yourself and your coworkers.

Final Project

In this final module, you'll plan and complete your own practical R programming project, applying everything you've learned to solve a realistic workplace challenge. You'll organize your work, write simple documentation, and share your completed project using GitHub, just like professionals do. By the end, you'll have a complete project to showcase and discuss with colleagues or in an interview.