Reports introduction

Last reviewed Jun 1, 2026 Content v20260601

Track mode: server_script
Means: Server runner
Reading: ~1 min
Level: intermediate

This lesson

An orientation to the R track—how the compiled playground works, core vocabulary, and what you will practice next.

You need a clear map of the R track so vectors, data frames, factors, and the tidyverse mindset do not feel like magic.

You will apply Reports introduction in contexts like: Research pipelines, Shiny dashboards, and statistical reporting.

Write R in the editor and click Run on server—the dev runner executes with Rscript; use print() or cat() and base R in playground snippets (tidyverse locally; LEARNING_RUNNER_ENABLED=true). Also read the interview prep blocks.

After basic programming and ideally SQL—pair with Python for ML-heavy roles or stay in R for stats and research pipelines.

Analytic reports combine SQL extracts, R analysis, charts, and narrative for stakeholders—pharma CSR, marketing dashboards, and research supplements.

Report structure

Question and data provenance (SQL query, cohort definition)
Methods (filters, models, assumptions)
Results (tables + ggplot2 figures locally)
Limitations and next steps

Automation

Parameterize Rmd with params: for monthly reruns—schedule via cron or orchestration tools in Data Science pipelines.

Important interview questions and answers

Q: Why separate SQL and R?
A: SQL scales aggregation; R handles modeling and visualization on the result set.
Q: Version control reports?
A: Git tracks .Rmd and renv.lock—not giant exported CSVs in the repo.

Self-check

List two sections every analytic report needs.
What tracks cohort definition?

Tip: Paste the exact SQL cohort query (with date) into an appendix—reviewers ask about population definition.

Interview prep

Cohort definition?: Document SQL filters and dates so results are auditable.

Interview tip Lesson completion confidence

Can you explain this lesson in 30 seconds without reading notes?

Self-reflection (saved on this device)

Not saved yet.

Playground

Runs on the configured server runner (dev: npm run runner with LEARNING_RUNNER_ENABLED=true). Output appears below the editor.

Code runner not available

Server runner is disabled. Set LEARNING_RUNNER_ENABLED=true and LEARNING_RUNNER_URL in .env (see .env.example).

Check yourself

Multiple choice — immediate feedback.

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