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Mastering Software Development in R Specialization

A well-structured gateway for anyone looking to build and share data-science tools using R—clear, practical, and focused on real-world development.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in Mastering Software Development in R Specialization Course

  • Learn to build better data science tools using R—from designing data-processing software to packaging your work for others to use.

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  • Gain skills in distributing R packages and creating custom data visualizations to communicate your results effectively.

Program Overview

Course 1: The R Programming Environment

⌛ ~3 hours

  • Topics: R basics, tidy data concepts, data import, manipulation, text processing, memory, large datasets.

  • Hands-on: Practice with swirl lessons and data ingestion tasks.

Course 2: Advanced R Programming

⌛ ~4 weeks (≈10 hrs/week)

  • Topics: Functional programming, debugging, profiling, and object-oriented design in R.

  • Hands-on: Write robust R functions and debug them.

Course 3: Building R Packages

⌛ ~2 weeks (≈10 hrs/week)

  • Topics: Package structure, documentation, testing, licensing, version control, CI, cross-platform development.

  • Hands-on: Build a full R package ready for CRAN submission.

Course 4: Building Data Visualization Tools

⌛ ~4 weeks (≈10 hrs/week)

  • Topics: Creating visualizations, interactive mapping, grid graphics, custom graphical elements.

  • Hands-on: Develop custom plotting functions and interactive visuals.

Course 5: Mastering Software Development in R Capstone

⌛ ~3 hours

  • Topics: Build and document a software package using the NOAA Significant Earthquakes dataset.

  • Hands-on: Complete capstone modules—data cleaning, geoms, mapping, documentation, deployment.

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Job Outlook

  • Excellent for aspiring R software developers and tool creators focused on data science workflows.

  • Perfect for data science engineers, R package authors, and professionals building reusable analytical tools.

  • Adds value if you’re involved in developing shared tools or dashboards used across teams or projects.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
This specialization offers a focused and practical path for building R-based data science software—especially handy if you want to develop, distribute, or maintain your own R tools.
Value
9.5
Price
9.3
Skills
9.8
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by Roger D. Peng and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University—top-level credibility behind the curriculum.
  • Beginner-friendly and flexible—no prior experience required, and it spans approximately 2 months at 10 hours per week.
  • Teaches high-demand, practical skills: designing data tools, packaging software, and crafting custom visualizations.
CONS
  • Not ideal if you're looking to learn basic data analysis or statistics—this specialization centers on software development, not data science foundations.
  • Learner rating is modest at around 4.2/5, which may reflect room for improvement in delivery or pacing.

Specification: Mastering Software Development in R Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • No prior R experience is required.
  • Designed for beginners interested in R software development.
  • Starts with R basics and progresses to advanced topics.
  • Swirl lessons and hands-on exercises ease learning.
  • Builds confidence before tackling software packaging and visualization.
  • Focuses on building reusable R tools, not just analysis.
  • Teaches package development, documentation, testing, and deployment.
  • Covers functional programming and debugging techniques.
  • Includes custom data visualization tool development.
  • Emphasizes real-world software engineering practices.
  • Yes, the course guides you to build a full R package.
  • Covers package structure, testing, licensing, and version control.
  • Teaches continuous integration and cross-platform development.
  • Includes hands-on assignments for practical experience.
  • Prepares learners to share R tools with the community.
  • Builds skills for R software development roles.
  • Supports creating tools for analytics teams and data scientists.
  • Adds value for roles in data science engineering and dashboard development.
  • Helps in building reusable analytical tools for organizations.
  • Strengthens portfolio with practical, real-world R projects.
  • Build and document a software package using real-world datasets.
  • Practice data cleaning, visualization, and mapping.
  • Apply package development, documentation, and deployment skills.
  • Integrate lessons from previous modules into a complete project.
  • Portfolio-ready project demonstrates practical R software mastery.
Mastering Software Development in R Specialization
Mastering Software Development in R Specialization
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