Pre-conference workshop

Taking the plunge into Positron — Posit's R & Python friendly Data Science IDE 

WHEN

Half-Day Training Session
1:00pm – 5:00pm
14 October 2026

FACILITATOR

Dr Kiel Hards

Since its beta release in 2024, Positron, the latest Data Science IDE from Posit and the spiritual successor to RStudio, has taken the open-source data science community by storm. The IDE combines the many well-loved features of RStudio with the modern interface and extensibility of VS Code, providing first-class support for both R and Python out of the box. The pace of development has been rapid: 2026 alone has brought a fully redesigned Notebook Editor, inline Quarto output, an integrated Packages pane, first-class R debugging with breakpoints, and a new unified AI assistant purpose-built for data science. Join us for an interactive  training on what Positron offers including a showcase of its latest features, and an honest discussion of how to navigate the switch from RStudio and avoid common frustrations. If you aren’t set up already we can help you install Positron live during the session and will work through hands-on demonstrations of how to customise and elevate your data science workflows.

Target Audience

People working with technical and scientific data that want to learn about modern data science tooling. You might  currently still use RStudio or are in the early stages of using  Positron. Those looking for a  structured and practical guidance on how to make the most out of Positron. No prior VS Code experience is required.

Prerequisites: R installed, basic familiarity with writing R scripts or R Markdown. As this will be a “follow on your own device” workshop, participants will need to bring along and use devices where they have approval to install Positron.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain what Positron is and how it differs from RStudio and VS Code, including its design philosophy and positioning in the open-source ecosystem.
  • Correctly install and configure Positron on their own machine, including R and (optionally) Python interpreter setup.
  • Navigate the Positron interface: the Variables pane, Console, Plots pane, Connections pane, and Editor and explain how they compare to their RStudio equivalents.
  • Explain how to execute R and Python code interactively within the same session, understanding how the two languages co-exist in Positron.
  • Use Positron’s productivity features including the Packages pane to manage R and Python packages, integrated Data explorer and Positron’s (now in beta) integrated Notebook editor.
  • Customise their environment with extensions, settings, themes, and workspace configurations.
  • Gain practical experience with data analysis and visualisation basics in Positron.
  • Use Posit Assistant for AI-assisted code generation, next-edit suggestions, and agentic data science tasks, and understand how it differs from generic AI coding tools or its predecessor tools.
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