How to Build an R Binary Package for Windows from Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide

R, the popular programming language for statistical computing and graphics, is widely used by data analysts and scientists alike. But, have you ever wondered how to create an R binary package for Windows from Linux? It’s a crucial step in sharing your R package with the world, especially for Windows users. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of building an R binary package for Windows from Linux, covering the necessary tools, software requirements, and step-by-step instructions.

Why Build an R Binary Package for Windows?

Before we dive into the technicalities, let’s discuss the importance of building an R binary package for Windows. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Wider audience reach**: By creating a Windows-compatible binary package, you can share your R package with a broader audience, including Windows users who may not have access to Linux or macOS.
• Convenience**: Binary packages are pre-compiled, making it easier for users to install and run your package without the need for compilation.
• Faster installation**: Binary packages install faster than source packages, which can be time-consuming to compile.

Software Requirements

To build an R binary package for Windows from Linux, you’ll need the following software installed:

• R: The latest version of R (at least 3.6.0) installed on your Linux system.
• RStudio: The popular integrated development environment (IDE) for R, which provides a convenient interface for building and testing packages.
• Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): A compatibility layer for running Linux on Windows, which we’ll use to create a Windows environment within Linux.
• Rtools: A collection of tools required for building R packages, including the R compiler and other dependencies.
• mingw-w64**: A Windows-compatible compiler toolchain for building Windows binaries on Linux.

Step 1: Install Rtools and mingw-w64

Before we start building our R binary package, we need to install Rtools and mingw-w64. These tools are essential for compiling R packages and generating Windows binaries.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install r-base-dev
sudo apt-get install mingw-w64

Step 2: Create a New R Package

Create a new R package using RStudio or the R command line. For this example, we’ll create a package called “mypackage” with a single function, “helloWorld()”.

R
> package.skeleton("mypackage")
> setwd("mypackage")
> file.edit("R/helloWorld.R")

Add the following code to the “helloWorld.R” file:

helloWorld <- function() {
  print("Hello, World!")
}

Step 3: Install and Load the Package

Install and load the "mypackage" package to test our function:

R
> install.packages("mypackage", repos = NULL, type = "source")
> library(mypackage)
> helloWorld()
[1] "Hello, World!"

Step 4: Prepare the Package for Windows

To create a Windows-compatible binary package, we need to modify the package's "DESCRIPTION" file and add a "Makevars" file:

R
> file.edit("DESCRIPTION")

Add the following lines to the "DESCRIPTION" file:

SystemRequirements: R (>= 3.6.0)
NeedsCompilation: yes

Create a new file called "Makevars" with the following content:

CXX=g++ -std=gnu++11
CFLAGS=-g -O2 -Wall -pedantic -Werror
PKG_CFLAGS=-I/usr/share/R/include
PKG_LIBS=-L/usr/lib/R/lib -lR

Step 5: Create a Windows Environment using WSL

Open a terminal and activate the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) by running the following command:

wsl

This will create a Windows environment within Linux, which we'll use to build our Windows binary package.

Step 6: Build the Windows Binary Package

Navigate to your package directory and run the following command to build the Windows binary package:

R CMD INSTALL --build .

This command will create a "mypackage_1.0.zip" file in your package directory, which contains the Windows binary package.

Step 7: Test the Package on Windows

Copy the "mypackage_1.0.zip" file to a Windows machine and install it using the "install.packages()" function:

R
> install.packages("mypackage_1.0.zip", repos = NULL, type = "binary")
> library(mypackage)
> helloWorld()
[1] "Hello, World!"

Congratulations! You've successfully built and installed an R binary package for Windows from Linux.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you may encounter during the package-building process:

Error Message	Solution
make: g++: Command not found	Install the g++ compiler using sudo apt-get install g++
mingw-w64: Command not found	Install mingw-w64 using sudo apt-get install mingw-w64
Error: unable to load shared object '/usr/lib/R/library/stats/libs/stats.so'	Re-install the "stats" package using install.packages("stats")

Conclusion

Building an R binary package for Windows from Linux can seem daunting, but by following these step-by-step instructions, you can create a Windows-compatible package that's easy to install and use. Remember to test your package thoroughly and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the process. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to sharing your R package with the world!

Happy packaging!

Frequently Asked Question

Building an R binary package for Windows from Linux can be a daunting task, but don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process.