Apache Arrow on Lifewatch RStudio Server: upgrade R version

[PietrH]

Hi Stijn! As discussed over lunch, here is some written context to serve as a reminder.

In the context of the work on #327 I would like to use the arrow package on the Lifewatch Rstudio Server

The most current version of this package requires a newer R version than currently installed, at least 4.0, but I recommend upgrading to R4.4. An older version of the package exists that supports R3.6, but it still needs a more recent C++ compiler.

It also requires a more recent C++ compiler, in our case, gcc at least version 7 or newer.

For more information on the arrow installation instructions ; https://arrow.apache.org/docs/r/articles/install.html

Just to empathise that I don't actually need a newer version of RStudio Server itself, just of R itself and gcc, the current RStudio Server version is Version 1.2.1335, I believe this version is at least 3 years old, there might be advantages in upgrading RStudio Server as well.

I see 2 courses of action;

1. Upgrade the C++ compiler only, and I can run an outdated version of arrow, keep the rest the same. -> While this is a quick fix, I don't believe this to be very sustainable. This will have no real impact on other users.
2. Update R, C++ compiler (and RStudio Server): this opens up access to many newer packages for everyone. Especially now the tidyverse is slowly dropping support for R versions lower as 4: https://www.tidyverse.org/blog/2019/04/r-version-support/, but it might or might not impact existing user package libraries. I believe this depends on the exact configuration of the server, so I can't investigate this.

While option 2 is more work, I think it'll save us time on the long run. Let me know if I can clarify anything!

This is blocking #328

[PietrH]

There will soon be a RStudio Server env with R4.5 and a more recent OS. I already have access.