Introduction

This module provides some basic information that should enable you to use the Rcpp library to integrate c++ code within R. It also gives some details of how to use the R packaging system to organise both c++ and R code in an R package which can be hosted on github for use by yourself and other interested parties.

Background

There are numerous reasons that may require you to use multiple programming languages with in a project. Here a few of the more common ones -

• Using different languages that are best suited to different domains.

• Removing bottlenecks in runtime performance.

• Reusing code from other projects / sources.

• Creating workflows.

• Integration with third party systems, such as user interfaces, web portals, and so on.

Exercise

What issues do you think might arise when combining different programming languages and/or environments ?

Are you aware of any technologies that might be used to help mitigate the effects of these problems ?

Image by Heath Robinson