Pipe operator (%>% and |>) in R Programming - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the pipe operator %>% do in R?

The pipe operator %>% takes the output of the expression on its left and passes it as the first argument to the function on its right. It helps write code that reads like a sequence of steps.

intermediate

How is the native pipe operator |> in R different from %>%?

The native pipe |> was introduced in R 4.1.0. It passes the left side value as the first argument to the right side function, similar to %>%, but it is built into base R and does not require extra packages.

beginner

Write a simple example using %>% to take a number 5, add 3, then multiply by 2.

Example:<br>

library(dplyr)
5 %>%
  add(3) %>%
  multiply_by(2)

<br>This means: start with 5, add 3, then multiply the result by 2.

beginner

Why do programmers like to use pipe operators in R?

Pipes make code easier to read and write by showing a clear flow of data through steps. It feels like telling a story: take this, then do that, then do next.

intermediate

Can you use the pipe operator %>% with functions that do not take the first argument as the data?

Yes, but you need to use a placeholder like . to tell the pipe where to put the left side value. For example:<br>

3 %>% rep(x = letters, times = .)

<br>Here, %>% passes 3 as the times argument to rep using the . placeholder.

What does the pipe operator %>% do in R?

A Passes the left value as the first argument to the right function

B Creates a new variable

C Repeats a loop

D Defines a function

The pipe operator %>% passes the output on the left as the first argument to the function on the right.

Which R version introduced the native pipe operator |>?

A R 3.6.0

B R 4.0.0

C R 4.1.0

D R 4.2.0

The native pipe operator |> was introduced in R version 4.1.0.

How do you pass the left value to a function argument other than the first when using %>%?

A Use a semicolon

B You cannot do that

C Use parentheses

D Use a placeholder <code>.</code>

Using a placeholder . tells the pipe where to insert the left value if it is not the first argument.

Which package commonly provides the %>% pipe operator?

A ggplot2

B dplyr

C shiny

D tidyr

The %>% pipe operator is provided by the dplyr package, part of the tidyverse.

What is a main benefit of using pipe operators in R?

A Improves code readability and flow

B Makes code run faster

C Reduces memory usage

D Automatically fixes errors

Pipes improve code readability by showing a clear sequence of data transformations.

Explain how the pipe operator %>% works in R and give a simple example.

Think of it as passing the result from one step to the next.

Describe the difference between %>% and the native pipe |> in R.

One is from a package, the other is built into R.