Posit, the company formerly known as RStudio, launched Positron, a data-science IDE designed for working with both R and Python. It is a separate product from the RStudio IDE: Posit says it will continue maintaining and updating RStudio.
What is Positron?
Positron is a desktop development environment built by Posit for data-science work in R and Python. Posit describes it as based on Code OSS, the open-source foundation of Visual Studio Code, with tools tailored to data workflows. The company introduced it on August 14, 2025, as a free desktop IDE for Windows, macOS, and Linux under the source-available Elastic License 2.0. At the time, Posit said it was the second stable desktop release after more than two years of development. Posit’s announcement
What can you do with it?
Posit’s feature descriptions cover a range of workflows rather than only editing code. The intended use is to work across languages and data tools in one environment.
- Write and run code: use R and Python consoles, scripts, and notebooks.
- Explore data: inspect variables and datasets interactively, and view plots.
- Manage environments: discover and switch interpreters or environments across notebooks, scripts, and consoles.
- Connect to databases and build apps: Posit lists workflows for Shiny, Streamlit, Dash, and FastAPI, as well as deployment connections to Posit Connect.
- Extend the editor: Posit describes support for extensions, reflecting the Code OSS foundation.
Posit’s Notebook Editor article also describes a Variables pane, Data Explorer, plot visualization, and help pane. These are vendor descriptions of product capabilities, not results from an independent comparison or performance test. Posit’s Notebook Editor overview
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- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Is Positron replacing RStudio?
No. The company’s name changed from RStudio to Posit, but the RStudio IDE kept its name and remains a separate product. Posit says it is committed to maintaining and updating RStudio, which it describes as having more than 14 years of R-focused optimizations. Positron is aimed at people who want a newer environment for data science that spans R and Python; it is not simply a renamed RStudio IDE. Posit’s company rebrand FAQ Posit’s Positron announcement
Where is Positron available?
Availability depends on how you want to work and on the product’s current status. Posit’s announcements establish these options:
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
- Desktop: Posit said Positron was generally available for free on desktop in September 2025.
- Posit Workbench: Posit said Positron is supported as an IDE type in Workbench, an organization-oriented environment for managed sessions.
- Posit Cloud: In September 2026, Posit announced Positron in Posit Cloud as a preview, alongside RStudio and Jupyter Notebooks, including on the free tier. Posit called this a preview, not general availability.
Posit’s desktop and Workbench availability announcement Posit’s Posit Cloud preview announcement
How should you choose between Positron and RStudio?
Choose based on the tools and working style you need. The available Posit materials describe features and availability, but do not establish that one IDE is faster or better overall.
Rank #3
- Not including the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB), the Crowpi advanced version comes with the Raspberry Pi 5
- ELECROW Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5, CrowPi is equipped with a 9-inch HD touchscreen along with a camera; All the regular components used in DIY electronics are packed into the CrowPi development board, such as LCD, LED matrix, buzzer, light sensor, PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, IR sensor, etc
- Raspberry Pi Sensors: The Crowpi raspberry pi 5 programming kit is jam-packed with lots of buttons such as 19 different sensors in a tidy easy to use package; You don't have to wait and wire things
- Build Quality: Solid ABS shell and well made components in one place make it strong and convenient to travel
- Programming Lessons: This raspberry pi 5 learning kit ships with step by step instructions and provides 21 lessons to take you through identifying components reading code and running it in the terminal
| Consideration | Positron may fit if… | RStudio may fit if… |
|---|---|---|
| Languages | You regularly move between R and Python in data-science work. | Your work is primarily in R and your current workflow meets your needs. |
| Editor style | You want a Code OSS/VS Code-style editor. | You prefer established RStudio habits and workflows. |
| Tools and workflows | You want Posit’s described combination of notebooks, interactive exploration, environment management, extensions, or data-app workflows. | You rely on your existing RStudio setup and do not need to change IDEs for those workflows. |
| Where you work | You want desktop use, Posit Workbench support, or the Posit Cloud preview. | You want to continue using the RStudio IDE; Posit says it remains maintained and updated. |
What is new in Positron?
Product status and features continue to change. In a July 2026 release article, Posit said the Jupyter Notebook Editor, Packages pane, and Posit Assistant had reached general availability. Posit’s release notes document further changes to Positron and Workbench; consult them for current vendor release information. Posit’s July 2026 release article Positron release notes
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
Rank #4
- Fully assembled for plug-and-play operation
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM
- 256 GB PCIe Pi NVMe SSD (Pre-loaded with Pi 64-Bit OS)
- M.2 HAT+
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Pi 5
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
