The libr package brings the concepts of data libraries, data dictionaries, and data steps to R. A data library is an object used to define and manage an entire directory of data files. A data dictionary is a data frame full of information about a data library, data frame, or tibble. And a data step allows row-by-row processing of data.
The functions contained in the libr package are as follows:
libname: Creates a data library
dictionary: Creates a data dictionary
datastep: Perform row-by-row processing of data
lib_load: Loads a library into the workspace
lib_unload: Unloads a library from the workspace
lib_sync: Synchronizes the workspace with the library
list
lib_write: Writes library data to the file system
lib_add: Adds data to a library
lib_replace: Replaces data in a library
lib_remove: Removes data from a library
lib_copy: Copies a data library
lib_delete: Deletes a data library
lib_info: Returns a data frame of information about the
library
lib_path: Returns the path of a data library
lib_size: Returns the size of the data library in bytes
import_spec: Defines an import spec for a specific file
specs: Contains all the import specs for a library
Note that the libr package is intended to be used with small and medium-sized data sets. It is not recommended for big data, as big data requires very careful control over which data is or is not loaded into memory. The libr package, on the other hand, tends to load all data into memory indiscriminately.
Useful links: