R: Setting default working directory within a project

[immanuelazn]

Hi,

I'm currently working on a project where there is code for R, C++, and python. Each of which is grouped within their own respective directories. I'm finding that when working with R, there isn't a clear way to set all the IDE features to point to the r directory.

I set my .Rprofile to automatically start with my wd on my r directory. This fixed the console issues, but running tests seem to refer to the base project directory still. Is there a way I can set a global R directory within the IDE?

[juliasilge]

running tests seem to refer to the base project directory still

Can you say a bit more about this? Are these R package tests? Run with testthat? How are you going about running them?

[immanuelazn]

Apologies on being unclear on this. I'm referring specifically to the keyboard shortcut to testing. Doing so seems hardset to this: Executing task: /usr/bin/R --quiet --no-restore --no-save -e 'devtools::test()' with the working directory being the project base directory. Is there any way I can change this?

[juliasilge]

Ah OK, I think the keybindings and Test Explorer UI and such do currently expect the workspace to basically be one and the same as the directory for the R package. I'll open up an issue for better support, but a couple of workarounds that come to mind are:

• Run devtools::test() in the console
• Open the R package as its own workspace, in an addition to your main workspace

What approach have you taken in other IDEs for this?

[immanuelazn]

Yep, to be completely clear I am 100% okay with just doing this directly via console. My typical workflow within vscode is via a configuration including debugging with breakpoints through a config in launch.json or directly through console. And thanks with the ticket!

I was just hoping there would be some configuration options I'm missing specifically with the keyboard shortcuts.

[juliasilge]

I opened #6592 to track and prioritize this type of work. Feel free to add any additional context or use cases!