R Weekly Highlights Issue 2025-W30 Highlights
Jul 23, 2025
Discover the innovative Positron Assistant, which enhances coding efficiency by integrating with GitHub Copilot. Explore how AI is revolutionizing conference experiences with a new app for posit::conf(2025). Delve into data science advancements, including multilingual tools and interactive tables. The hosts share their reflections on the data science community, making the discussion both humorous and engaging. Tune in for insights on the blend of podcasting, AI technologies, and audience interaction!
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Episode notes
Positron Assistant Powers Coding
- Positron Assistant integrates GitHub Copilot and Claude AI for coding and package development in R within the new Positron IDE beta.
- This creates a streamlined agentic coding experience that is promising but still evolving with some hallucination issues.
Positron Assistant Builds Package
- Stephen Turner tested Positron Assistant's agent mode by creating a DNA reverse complement package with function, docs, and tests all automatically generated.
- The agent successfully scaffolded, documented, tested, and passed checks with minor manual correction on license details.
Save Cost With Token API Use
- Use token-based API credit systems for cost-effective use of AI coding assistants instead of default monthly subscription plans.
- This approach controls expenses better, crucial for frequent or organizational usage.