4 R programming environment

R is open-source software, meaning it is free to use, modify, and distribute. It enables quick upgrading and continuous development of new methods and models for econometric analysis (unlike alternative softwares which are not free).
It’s main advantage is that intuitive code (commands) can be easily extended and/or customized to meet user needs
You can easily copy existing commands and replicate the same examples at home. Complex analyses can be automated and reproduced on a new data.
It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms
With the first installation, you get base packages that support commands for basic statistical and graphical data analysis
Along with R, it is recommended to install RStudio, an integrated development environment (IDE) that simplifies the coding process and makes it easier to work with R, as includes many useful features such as an interactive console, visualization tools, script editor, workspace environment, packages library, command history, etc.
Two steps installation on your PC -> first R and then RStudio

First step installation requires a choice of Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) repository through which additional packages, for some “advanced” analysis, are available. Latter, you should click Download R for Windows and select install R for the first time (latest version)
Second step installation requires downloading and installing RStudio Desktop