More and more R packages access resources on the web, and play crucial roles in workflows.Examples from the rOpenSci suite of packages include rromeo, GSODR, qualtRics, rnassqs, and many, many others.Like for all other packages, appropriate unit testing can make them more robust.However, unit testing of these packages can bring special challenges: dependence of tests on a good internet connection, testing in the absence of authentication

Upcoming Book on Open Science with R We’re pleased to announce that the rOpenSci core team has just signed a contract with CRC Press/Taylor and Francis R series to publish a new book on practical ways to implement open science into your own research using R. Given all the talk about the importance of open science, the discussion often lacks practical suggestions on how one might actually incorporate these practices into their

Not really a blog post, more a note to self. If I ever did get around to writing a book again, I think Scripting Life would be a great title.

Vince Smith alerted me to "Systematics as Cyberscience", by Christine Hine, whose work I've mentioned earlier. Looks like an interesting read.