Skip to main content

Getting started

1. Why this language​

TypR is a powerfull datascience/software engeneering tool and a typed version of the R language that introduces an optional static type system, while preserving the flexibility and expressiveness that make R a powerful tool for data analysis and statistics.

Its main goals are:

  • Reduce runtime errors through early detection (at writing or compilation time).
  • Improve readability and maintainability of medium- to large-scale R projects.
  • Facilitate teamwork by making function contracts and data structures explicit.
  • Prepare R code for production use, without giving up the existing ecosystem.

TypR aims to strike a balance: more rigor when needed, without sacrificing productivity.

2. What TypR is not​

Not a R's replacement​

R is a powerful tool for research, exploration, experimentation and visual production for data analysis and statistics. TypR is there to handle another set of activity going from package production/maintenance to live application scalability in production.

See working with typr along r

Not low level R​

Even though, in the future types will help building faster code, their goal is more about data modeling and safety.

Target audience​

This language is primarily intended for:

  • Data scientists and statisticians who use R and want more reliable analyses.
  • Developers working on complex or mission-critical R projects.
  • Data teams in organizations seeking to standardize and secure their codebases.
  • Researchers and educators who want to introduce sound software engineering practices into their work.

It is especially well suited for projects that go beyond simple exploratory scripts.

3. Prerequisites​

To use TypR, it is recommended to:

  • Have a basic knowledge of the R language (syntax, functions, data frames).
  • Understand fundamental programming concepts (functions, variables, modules).

Experience in data science or statistics is a plus, but not strictly required.

4. Installation​

TypR is installed as a complement to R.

General steps:

1. Install a recent version of R.​

You can install R (and RStudio) in this link.

2. Install the TypR compiler/interpreter​

You can install TypR in 3 different ways:

With the release page​

If you have Windows or Linux (not yet available for Mac OS) you can download it with the release page.

Via DockerHub:​

If you have docker you can install TypR with your terminal:

docker pull fabricehategekimana/typr:latest

You can then run it in this way:

docker run -it --rm -v $(pwd):/workspace fabricehategekimana/typr:latest

With Cargo (Rust)​

If you already have Rust in your system, you can download it with Cargo from Rust:

cargo install TypR

3. Verify the installation​

To verify your installation, you can use this command:

> typr --version
typr [actual version]

Once installed, TypR can be used:

  • from the command line,
  • within a compatible IDE,

5. First program​

Here is a simple first example in TypR:

print("Hello world")

Here is another example doing the same thing but with type expressions

let hello: char <- "Hello world";

let my_print <- fn(msg: char): Empty {
	print(msg)
};

my_print(hello)

Core concepts​

Primitive types​

TypR introduces explicit types for basic values:

  • integer (int)
  • numbers (num)
  • booleans (bool)
  • characters (char)

These types allow the compiler to check code consistency.

Functions​

Typed functions​

fn(a: int, b: int): int {
	a + b
}

Functions can declare:

  • the type of their parameters,
  • the type of their return value.

This makes developer intent explicit and prevents many classes of errors.

Untyped functions​

function(a, b) {
	a + b
}

To keep a flexible way to interop with raw R code.

Data structures​

Vectors​

c(1, 2, 3, 4)

Lists​

list(name = "Anna", age = 56)

or

:{name: "Anna", age: 56}

Going further​

To deepen your use of TypR, you can:

  • Explore advanced types
  • Learn about integration with the existing R ecosystem (packages, scripts, notebooks).

TypR is designed to evolve alongside its users and their needs.