Learning R in 2025: Key Resources for Getting Started

Happy New Year 2025!

As my very first post of this new year, I would like to share two excellent resources for colleagues interested in self-learning R programming. While I’m not a programmer myself, I’ve realized that data analysis using R is something we simply cannot avoid, especially in social science subjects, and will become even more essential in the future.


Whether you are completely new to R or have some experience with other data analysis tools, self-studying R is entirely possible and rewarding! One of the best things about R is that it is free, versatile, and actually quite enjoyable once you get the hang of it.


These resources below are particularly helpful for those transitioning from tools like Excel or SPSS to more advanced data analysis with R.


1. R for Data Science by Hadley Wickham & Garrett Grolemund: This book provides a beginner-friendly introduction to R, with a focus on practical applications like data cleaning, visualization, and modeling. It is especially useful for those with some background in tools like Excel or SPSS. The authors have also made the book freely available online to encourage learning and make R more accessible to everyone. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone interested in exploring data science with R.


2. R Cookbook by Paul Teetor: This book takes a recipe-based approach, offering practical solutions to common challenges in data analysis. It is therefore perfect for solving specific problems, such as managing datasets or creating visualizations, with clear, step-by-step examples. Hence, this is also a fantastic resource for those who prefer learning by doing and need quick, actionable solutions to real-world data tasks.


Other great resources include The Art of R Programming by Norman Matloff and Hands-On Programming with R by Garrett Grolemund, which cover foundational concepts and practical techniques in R programming.




I hope these resources are helpful for your learning journey and contribute to your professional growth in 2025.


#Data_Analysis #Social_Scientists #R #RStudio


Hnin Ei Lwin

#Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL

#social #development #humanitarian #publichealth 


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