Project Wizard: create renv::init command

[sharon-wang]

Background

A user can opt to use renv for their new R Project to create a reproducible environment.

Implementation

We'll need to add a command to the r extension which will run renv::init for the new project directory.

Questions

• do we need to install/bundle renv with the extension?
• how to best indicate who/why you should use renv and appropriately recommend or dissuade the user from using the option? What's some good verbiage here?
• rename "Additional" to "Advanced"

PR

• Run renv::init on new project #3438

[juliasilge]

I would look at how we use checkInstalled() in the R extension for renv, rather than install it or bundle it.

[jennybc]

From working on #2070, I predict that renv is going to gain a few changes that are favorable for Positron (rstudio/renv#1915). So I think we should either recommend or require that the renv version be greater than or equal to this not-yet-released version I'm referring to.

I.e. I don't think we should just roll with a local renv version without assessing how up-to-date it is. Luckily the checkInstalled() function that @juliasilge mentions above supports a minimum version, although the message it gives for insufficient version isn't great (which is #1957).

[timtmok]

@juliasilge Sharon's latest change is going to hide this checkbox based on a WIP flag in the preferences. The usage of checkInstalled() makes sense to ensure we have renv at the correct version.

@jennybc Is the change to renv expected to be merged and released soon?

I think this is what would occur when a user enables renv usage:

1. When the new project is initializing, add a the renv::init task to the task queue
2. During renv::init, ensure the interpreter is started and run checkInstalled() with a package version
3. If renv is not installed (or incorrect version is installed), prompt to install
4. Run renv::init

For now, the section can be renamed from Additional Configuration to something like Advanced Configuration.

[jennybc]

Is the change to renv expected to be merged and released soon?

For reasons independent of this issue, yes, we want it merged and released before public beta. That effort is ongoing, so I can't guarantee it, but that is certainly the intent and I think it's doable.

[timtmok]

I'll open another issue for changing the required renv version that can be worked on once it has released a new version.

[timtmok]

#3439

[jonvanausdeln]

Verified Fixed

Positron Version(s) : 2024.06.0-795
OS Version(s) : Windows 11

Test scenario(s)

Created new project with renv and initialized as expected. Also tested with no renv installed, and it asked to install and intialized as expected.

Link(s) to TestRail test cases run or created:

Test Rail Case 633084