How to tell which version of R I'm running when two versions are installed
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Identifying Your R Version When Multiple Installations Coexist
Learn how to accurately determine which R version you are currently running, especially when you have multiple R installations on your system. This guide covers built-in R functions and command-line tools.
It's common for R users, especially those working on diverse projects or managing different package dependencies, to have multiple versions of R installed on their machines. This can lead to confusion about which specific R environment is active at any given moment. This article will guide you through various methods to reliably check your current R version, ensuring you're always working with the intended environment.
Checking the R Version from Within R
The most straightforward way to determine your R version is from within an active R session. R provides built-in functions that give you detailed information about the R installation and the session environment. This method is effective whether you're using the R console, RStudio, or any other R IDE.
sessionInfo()
R.version
version
Using sessionInfo(), R.version, and version to get R version details.
sessionInfo() function provides the most comprehensive overview, including not just the R version but also details about the operating system, loaded packages, and locale settings. This is particularly useful for reproducibility.Using Command-Line Tools for R Version Detection
Sometimes you might need to check the R version without launching a full R session, perhaps in a script or a terminal. Command-line tools offer a quick and efficient way to do this. This is especially relevant in automated workflows or when troubleshooting environment paths.
R --version
which R
Using R --version to display the R version and which R to locate the R executable.
Flowchart for identifying R version.
which R command shows the path to the R executable currently found in your system's PATH environment variable. If you have multiple R installations, ensure your PATH is configured correctly to point to your desired default version, or specify the full path to the R executable you want to query.Managing Multiple R Installations
For users with several R versions, tools like Renv or conda can help manage and switch between different environments seamlessly. However, even with these tools, understanding how to verify the active R version is crucial for preventing conflicts and ensuring consistent project execution.
1. Step 1
Open your R environment (RStudio, R console, or terminal).
2. Step 2
For an in-depth report, type sessionInfo() and press Enter.
3. Step 3
For a concise version number, type R.version or version and press Enter.
4. Step 4
From the terminal, use R --version to quickly see the active R executable's version.
5. Step 5
To find the exact location of the R executable being used, run which R in your terminal.