This tutorial series provides a comprehensive introduction to Positron, a next-generation data science IDE built by Posit PBC. These hands-on tutorials are designed following the Diátaxis framework to provide practical, learner-focused instruction.
Note
This content is adapted from the Positron Documentation and is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. See LICENSE.md for details.
Positron is a free, next-generation data science IDE built on the foundation of Visual Studio Code (Code OSS). It provides:
- Polyglot Support: Native support for Python and R
- Interactive Computing: Built-in console, data viewer, and plots panel
- Enhanced Data Science Tools: Variables panel, data explorer, and integrated help
- Familiar Interface: VS Code-based interface with data science enhancements
- Extensible Platform: Support for extensions and customization
This workshop is designed to take you from installation to productive data science work in Positron. The tutorials are structured as hands-on lessons that you complete step-by-step.
- Data scientists and analysts who want to learn Positron
- Python and R users looking for an enhanced IDE experience
- VS Code users interested in data science-specific features
- Researchers and analysts seeking an integrated data science environment
- Basic familiarity with Python or R
- Understanding of fundamental data science concepts
- Access to a computer where you can install software
The workshop consists of five progressive tutorials:
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 20-30 minutes
Learn to download, install, and verify your Positron installation. Covers system requirements, installation steps for different operating systems, and initial setup verification.
You will learn to:
- Download Positron for your operating system
- Install and launch Positron successfully
- Verify that your installation is working correctly
- Troubleshoot common installation issues
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 30-45 minutes
Navigate the Positron interface and understand its key components. Discover data science-specific panels and learn to customize your workspace.
You will learn to:
- Navigate the main areas of the Positron interface
- Use data science panels (Console, Variables, Plots)
- Customize your workspace and layouts
- Use essential keyboard shortcuts
- Understand how Positron differs from VS Code
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 45-60 minutes
Configure Python and R interpreters, manage virtual environments, and install essential data science packages.
You will learn to:
- Install and configure Python and R interpreters
- Create and manage Python virtual environments
- Switch between different interpreters
- Install essential data science packages
- Verify your setup with test code
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 60-75 minutes
Use Positron's built-in data exploration tools including the Data Viewer, Variables panel, and Plots panel for interactive data analysis.
You will learn to:
- Import datasets using Python and R
- Navigate the Data Viewer for interactive data exploration
- Use the Variables panel to track and inspect objects
- Create visualizations in the Plots panel
- Filter and examine data interactively
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 90-120 minutes
Work through a complete Python data science project from setup to documentation, using real-world housing price data.
You will learn to:
- Set up a professional Python data science project
- Perform data cleaning and exploratory analysis
- Create publication-quality visualizations
- Build and evaluate predictive models
- Use Jupyter notebooks within Positron
- Document and save your analysis
Type: Tutorial | Duration: 90-120 minutes
Complete an end-to-end R analysis project using the tidyverse ecosystem and Titanic passenger data.
You will learn to:
- Set up a professional R data science project
- Use tidyverse for data manipulation and visualization
- Perform statistical analysis and hypothesis testing
- Create interactive visualizations with plotly
- Generate reproducible reports with Quarto
- Follow R best practices in Positron
- Complete the Setup: Start with 0_setup.qmd to install Positron
- Learn the Interface: Work through 1_interface-overview.qmd
- Configure Interpreters: Follow 2_interpreter-setup.qmd
- Choose Your Path:
- For Python focus: Complete tutorials 3 → 4
- For R focus: Complete tutorials 3 → 5
- For both languages: Complete all tutorials
- Minimum Path (Python or R): 4-5 hours
- Complete Workshop: 6-8 hours
- Self-paced: Can be completed over multiple sessions
- Operating System: Windows 10/11, macOS 10.15+, or Linux (Ubuntu 18.04+)
- RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB recommended
- Disk Space: 2GB for Positron and all dependencies
- Internet Connection: Required for package installation and some data sources
This workshop follows the Diátaxis framework for technical documentation:
- Tutorials (like these): Learning-oriented, hands-on lessons that take you through practical exercises
- How-to guides: Problem-oriented instructions for specific tasks
- Reference material: Information-oriented technical descriptions
- Explanation: Understanding-oriented discussions of concepts
All tutorials in this workshop are designed as tutorials in the Diátaxis sense - they are hands-on, practical lessons that guide you through learning by doing.
This workshop is part of the IPA Research and Data Science Training. If you find issues or have suggestions:
- Check the GitHub Issues for existing reports
- Submit new issues or suggestions
- Contribute improvements via pull requests
This workshop content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Original Content: Adapted from Positron Documentation (CC BY-SA 4.0) Modifications: Restructured as hands-on tutorials following the Diátaxis framework Created for: IPA Research and Data Science Training
Positron won't start:
- Check system requirements
- Verify installation completed successfully
- Try running as administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Linux)
Python/R interpreter not found:
- Ensure Python/R is installed and in system PATH
- Use Command Palette to manually select interpreter
- Check virtual environment activation
Packages won't install:
- Verify internet connection
- Check for permission issues
- Try installing one package at a time
- Use virtual environments to avoid conflicts
Data Viewer won't open:
- Ensure data is in DataFrame/data.frame format
- Try viewing a subset for large datasets
- Check that Variables panel shows the object
- Check tutorial troubleshooting sections: Each tutorial includes specific troubleshooting guidance
- Consult Positron documentation: https://positron.posit.co/
- Search GitHub discussions: Often questions have been asked before
- Ask for help: Use the community forums or GitHub discussions
Workshop Duration: 6-8 hours total | Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Last Updated: 2024
Get started with Tutorial 0: Setting Up Positron!