[R] easiest way to extend and recompile a package?

[Duncan Murdoch]

On 22/06/2009 6:52 PM, Michael wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> I am thinking of extending a package by directly adding stuff to its
> C++ code. And then I have to recompile the package.
> 
> Do I have to download the whole R source repository, in order to do
> the recompilation? What is the minimal setup requirement for such a
> recompilation?

No, you just need to recompile the package.  The R Installation and 
Administration tells you the necessary tools.  On Windows, those are 
(mostly) packaged in the Rtools collection, available on my web page at 
http://www.murdoch-sutherland.com/Rtools.

> 
> I am using MSVC Express 2008 on Windows, is that okay?

It's certainly not sufficient, you need other tools.  You can compile 
the DLLs for a package using whatever compiler you like, but the 
build/install system in R for Windows assumes you're using the MinGW 
port of gcc.  I don't know how much work it would be to switch to a 
different compiler; you'll need to ask Microsoft for support on that.

Duncan Murdoch

> 
> Please give me some guidance. Thank you!
> 
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