R cmd check

Definition

'r cmd check' is a command used in R to perform a series of checks on a package to ensure it meets the standards required for CRAN submission. This command validates package documentation, checks for code errors, verifies that all dependencies are properly handled, and evaluates the overall quality of the package. Running 'r cmd check' is an essential step in package development and documentation, as it helps identify issues early in the process, ensuring that the package is robust and user-friendly before it reaches end users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'r cmd check' will produce output that indicates if there are any errors or warnings, helping developers to quickly identify what needs fixing before submission.
2. The command checks various aspects of the package such as the correctness of the function code, adherence to naming conventions, and completeness of the documentation.
3. 'r cmd check' also ensures that examples in the documentation run without error, which is vital for user understanding and trust.
4. This command can be executed in both RStudio and the R console, making it accessible regardless of the user's environment.
5. Running 'r cmd check' should be a routine part of the package development process, not just something done right before submission to CRAN.

Review Questions

• How does running 'r cmd check' contribute to maintaining high standards in R package development?
  • 'r cmd check' plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards by systematically checking for errors, warnings, and adherence to best practices in coding and documentation. This command verifies that all components of the package function as intended and that documentation accurately reflects their usage. By catching potential issues early, it ensures that developers deliver reliable packages that meet CRAN submission criteria.
• What specific elements does 'r cmd check' evaluate in an R package, and why is this evaluation important?
  • 'r cmd check' evaluates several key elements including code correctness, dependency management, and documentation completeness. This evaluation is important because it helps prevent errors from reaching end users, ensuring that the package functions as expected under various conditions. It also checks that all examples within the documentation run without errors, which is vital for user comprehension and confidence in using the package.
• In what ways can neglecting to run 'r cmd check' impact an R package's acceptance on CRAN and its usability for end-users?
  • Neglecting to run 'r cmd check' can lead to undetected errors or poor documentation quality, which may result in a higher likelihood of rejection by CRAN due to non-compliance with submission standards. Furthermore, if issues go unnoticed before release, end-users may encounter bugs or unclear instructions while using the package. This can diminish user experience and trust, ultimately impacting the package's reputation and adoption within the R community.

Related terms

CRAN: 'CRAN' stands for Comprehensive R Archive Network, which is the primary repository for R packages, hosting thousands of user-contributed packages that have been vetted for quality and functionality.

R package: 'R package' refers to a structured collection of R functions, data, and documentation bundled together to facilitate reusability and sharing among R users.

Documentation: 'Documentation' in R packages provides users with information about how to use the functions and datasets within the package, including usage examples and descriptions of inputs and outputs.