[R] function help?

Petr PIKAL petr.pikal at precheza.cz
Mon Sep 20 13:56:59 CEST 2010


Hi

r-help-bounces at r-project.org napsal dne 17.09.2010 17:02:29:

>   On 9/16/10 5:00 PM, Rolf Turner wrote:
> > On 17/09/2010, at 8:51 AM, Duke wrote:
> >
> >>   Hi Duncan,
> >>
> >> On 9/16/10 3:47 PM, Duncan Murdoch wrote:
> >>> On 16/09/2010 3:40 PM, Duke wrote:
> >>>>    Hi all,
> >>>>
> >>>> I am writing a function (fun.R), but I dont know how to code the
> >>>> function so that the Help Text will be shown up when one types ?fun 
(of
> >>>> course, after he loads it up). Anyone has any advice for me how to 
do
> >>>> that?
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>> The help text is separate from the function (unless you use the
> >>> roxygen package or similar).  You need to write a package so that R
> >>> will find the help; instructions are in the Writing R Extensions 
manual.
> >> I was expecting something simpler than writing a package, and that I 
can
> >> integrate it into fun.R, but thanks anyway.
> > (a) Writing a package is not all that hard.
> 
> You can say so if you are fluent in R. I just started and have written 
> only 20-30 lines of codes so far. Also, writing a package is still more 
> complicated than writing a simple function (single file). Why R is so 
> different from other languages (python, matlab or more basics like C/C++ 

> etc...)? In fact I still feel very uncomfortable with R, for example, I 
> hate when I type a function name, it shows the whole function.
> 
> Honestly I feel a world of programming is a mess, and it is tough when 
> one wants to jump from one language to another.

If you just want your function to start each time you start R put it in a 
file like myfun1.r and source this file each time you start R. Modify file 
Rprofile.site in etc directory to do source during start up or put file 
.Rprofile into your working directory.

Keeping several functions in a package is an option, however I must agree 
that for those who do not do it regularly it is a bit cumbersome.

Regards
Petr

> 
> > (b) It focuses the mind wondrously.
> 
> I did try to write a simple package (followed a tutorial), but did not 
> find what you said :). Maybe I need more practice.
> 
> > (c) Using R CMD check on the package is very useful for picking the
> > lint off the code.
> >
> 
> It would be great if you share your experience a little more about this.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> D.
> 
> >    cheers,
> >
> >       Rolf Turner
> >
> > ######################################################################
> > Attention:
> > This e-mail message is privileged and confidential. If you are not the
> > intended recipient please delete the message and notify the sender.
> > Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author.
> >
> > This e-mail has been scanned and cleared by MailMarshal
> > www.marshalsoftware.com
> > ######################################################################
> >
> 
> ______________________________________________
> R-help at r-project.org mailing list
> https://stat.ethz.ch/mailman/listinfo/r-help
> PLEASE do read the posting guide 
http://www.R-project.org/posting-guide.html
> and provide commented, minimal, self-contained, reproducible code.



More information about the R-help mailing list