Introduction to Packages in R: Installation, Loading, Unloading and Deletion

Packages form a crucial component of the versatility of R. Packages are the organized collection of functions focusing on a particular task, making the task implemented in R effectively and easily. Different authors around the world develop packages that help solve various use cases, and it is a combination of all these that makes R extremely powerful. In this chapter, we delve deep into the steps that are required for the utilization of a package. We outline both code-based as well as graphical user interface (GUI)-based instructions for the installation of a package, along with its dependencies, loading of a package, detaching a package, as well as removing a package. In addition, we provide information about citing a package and other additional frequently asked information such as CRAN and CRAN mirrors. Lastly, we have also outlined information for learning about the package, which is essential for self-learning and development.