Create batch files for processing R scripts and markdown files under Windows
MakeBatch.RdConvenience function for creating batch files that can be used under Windows to process R scripts, R markdown, and quarto files. The main idea is that a user can click on the batch files within Windows Explorer to get the desired task done faster.
Arguments
- file
A character string for the file to be processed. The file need not yet exist. The extension must be one of Qmd, R, or Rmd.
- static
Should a fixed version of R be used? It will be the current version if set to TRUE or allowed to vary with new installations.
Details
These batch files are not for use in an R session. They do need to be created in an interactive session though. They are to provide users a means to process R scripts, quarto and Rmarkdown documents without needing to open an R session thereafter.
If a file is specified, the function will create a single batch file that will process the file appropriately. Processing an R script will generate a Rout file, while an Rmd file is converted into HTML. Quarto files are tied to two batch files; one renders the document and should be used first, while the other is for the continuous previewing of the document in a browser.
If no file is specified, the MakeBatch() function creates various files in the current working directory to show how the tools can be used.
Files starting with the word test are for testing the batch files. An R script and an Rmarkdown file were created as well as the batch files that will process them into a Rout file and an HTML document respectively. Pressing <enter> on these test*.bat files will process the test files appropriately.
The other three batch files (ending in .bat) and any created using MakeAdminBatch() need to be moved to a folder on the user's path so that they can be called from anywhere. They could also be manually edited to suit the user's needs.
The path.txt file shows the user what folders are already on the path list. The user can review this list and decide to alter the system variable if they so choose. The path.txt file has no value otherwise.
Further instructions
Once the RBatch.bat file has been moved to the desired folder that is included in the path for your system you can follow the steps below to get full value from this functionality.
1. Open windows explorer, and browse to the folder containing the test files.
2. Select the test.R script.
3. Under the File menu, look for the item Open with... (This might already be a submenu for some users; if so, the last item is Choose default program.)
4. We are going to choose to use a program on our computer. Do not go looking on the internet to see which program we need.
5. You may be able to write a description of the file type. This is an R script but it may not yet be registered as such. Providing this detail is optional.
6. When given the chance to browse for the program to open the test.R script, browse to the folder where you placed Rbatch.bat and select it.
7. When you select OK, the test.R script will be processed by RBatch.bat and a new file test.Rout will be created.
8. Open test.Rout in any text editor you like. This file has the appearance of an R session window except for some processing time detail at the end. You will be able to read the commands that were originally in test.R as well as the output from these commands.