R is an open-source programming language that is ideal for data analysis, machine learning, and statistical computing. It boasts a comprehensive array of statistical and graphical techniques and includes elements like linear and nonlinear modeling, classification, clustering and more. One of the aspects that require special attention while dealing with graphical data representation such as plots in R is the size of the plot, especially while working in a Jupyter environment.
Understanding Plot Size Problem in Jupyter
When working in a Jupyter notebook environment and creating plots using R, there’s a common issue many developers encounter – determining and controlling the size of the plot. By default, Jupyter displays plots to fit the window. This might not be suitable if the plot is large, contains numerous points or lines and requires greater detailing that can’t be conveniently viewed on a smaller scale.
Solution to Plot Size Problem
The Jupyter notebooks save the plot in a particular size regardless of the size of the window in which they’re displayed. This could lead to problems in viewing intricate details of the plot. To solve this problem, we can set the plot size manually in R, using the `repr` package which controls the graphical representation in Jupyter notebooks.
install.packages('repr')
library(repr)
options(repr.plot.width=5, repr.plot.height=4)
plot(data)
Step-by-Step Code Explanation
- The first line of code installs the `repr` package. This package provides several tools for string representations which can be used to customize the size of R plots.
- The second line loads the `repr` package into our R environment.
- In the third line, `options()` function is used to set the plot width and plot height. You can change the values according to your preference. In this case, the width has been set to 5 and the height to 4.
- The fourth line creates the plot of the given data. Instead of fitting to the window size, the plot will now follow the dimensions defined in the third line.
By understanding and using the aforementioned options, you can effectively ensure that your plots are always displayed in your preferred size, regardless of the window size. This helps improve not just the appearance, but also the readability of your plot.
Other Libraries for Plot Customization in R
The `repr` package is not the only tool that can help in managing plot sizes in R. There are other graphics packages like `ggplot2` and `plotly` that provide functions to customize plot size, among other things. For instance, in `ggplot2`, you can use `ggsave()` function with arguments `width` and `height` to save the plot in your preferred dimensions. Always remembering to manage plot sizes when scripting in R will ensure your plots are displayed correctly, thus enhancing their effectiveness.
