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R

by R

Free plan MacWindows

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R's own site

What R is

R is a free software environment designed for statistical computing, with graphics as part of its toolkit. It includes statistical tests, regression models, and scripting support. R runs on Windows and macOS as well as a wide range of UNIX platforms. It can import text, XML, spreadsheet-like, Excel, SPSS, SAS, and Stata files, along with data from databases, binary files, and image files. Downloads are provided through preferred CRAN mirrors, and the project offers FAQs on installation and license terms. Documentation resources include manuals, journals, books, and certification links; community resources include mailing lists and developer pages. The listed current version is R 4.6.1, named Happy Hop, released June 24, 2026. The project directs questions about R itself to its Getting Help section. The R Foundation lists social channels and ways to support its work, including a renewable supporting-member subscription.

Who it suits

R suits people who need a free environment for statistical computing, graphics, scripting, statistical tests, or regression models, across Windows, macOS, or UNIX platforms.

What it does well

  • Free software environment.
  • Includes statistical tests and regression models.
  • Supports scripting and graphics.
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and a wide range of UNIX platforms.
  • Imports data from many listed file types and databases.

What to know first

  • No listed mobile platform.
  • Downloads are provided through preferred CRAN mirrors.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
R—On request

As r-project.org lists them, read 27 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Open the R project website
  2. Choose a preferred CRAN mirror for the download
  3. Use the download and installation FAQs for guidance
  4. Review the license FAQs if you need information about the license terms
  5. Use the Getting Help section for questions about R

Verdict

R combines statistical computing, graphics, and scripting in a free environment, with support for a broad range of data formats and platforms. The project provides installation FAQs and documentation resources for getting started.

Questions

Is R free?

Yes. R is provided as a free software environment, and its pricing model is listed as free.

Which platforms does R support?

The platform listing names macOS and Windows. The project also says R runs on a wide variety of UNIX platforms.

What data formats can R import?

Listed formats include text, XML, spreadsheet-like and Excel files, SPSS, SAS and Stata files, databases, binary files and image files.

Who makes R?

The maker is listed as R, headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The project is listed as founded in 1990.

Where can I get R and find documentation?

Downloads are provided through preferred CRAN mirrors. The site provides documentation, manuals, FAQs, journals, books and certification links.

Facts from R's own pages

Community Resources
The site lists mailing lists, contributing, developer pages, and related project links. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
R Conference
The useR! 2026 conference took place in Warsaw from July 7-9. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Current Version
R version 4.6.1, named Happy Hop, was released on 2026-06-24. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Data import formats
text files, XML, spreadsheet-like files, Excel, SPSS, SAS, Stata, databases, binary files, image files · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Deployment
desktop · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Documentation Resources
The site provides documentation, manuals, FAQs, journals, books, and certification links. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Download Source
R downloads are provided through preferred CRAN mirrors. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Foundation Donations
The Kalibera Family Fund accepts donations until the end of 2026. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Foundation Support
Users can support the R Foundation through a renewable supporting-member subscription. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Founded
1990 · r-project.org, 23 Sept 2026
Free plan
Yes · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Free Software
R is provided as a free software environment. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Graphics Support
R supports graphics as part of its environment. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Headquarters
Vienna, Austria · r-project.org, 23 Sept 2026
Installation Help
FAQs cover how to download and install R. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
License Help
FAQs provide information about R license terms. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
MacOS Support
R runs on MacOS. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Previous Version
R version 4.5.3, named Reassured Reassurer, was a wrap-up release. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Regression models
Yes · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Scripting support
Yes · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Social Channels
The R Foundation is present on BlueSky, Mastodon, and LinkedIn. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Statistical Computing
R is designed for statistical computing. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026
Statistical tests
Yes · r-project.org, 20 Sept 2026
Supported Platforms
R runs on UNIX platforms, Windows, and MacOS. · r-project.org, 27 Sept 2026

Where R stands on Freedom251

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