Migrating to Positron, a next-generation data science IDE for Python and R
4 comments
·November 28, 2025k310
Formerly RStudio
> RStudio (now Posit) was founded in 2009 with the vision of creating high quality open-source software for data scientists. We’ve grown exponentially over time but our culture remains unchanged. We invest heavily in open-source development, education, and the community with the goal of serving knowledge creators 100 years from now.
> We want Posit to serve a meaningful public purpose and we run the company for the benefit of our customers, employees, and the community at large. That’s why we’re designated as a Public Benefit Corporation. As a Certified B Corp, we must meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Our directors and officers have a fiduciary responsibility to address social, economic, and environmental needs while still overseeing our business goals.
anewhnaccount2
So the main news is that they're giving up on develping an independent IDE and turning into another VS code fork. The loss of biodiversity and reliance on a no-so-reliable steward is mildly concerning.
cwnyth
They (reps? devs? I don't remember) have recently mentioned that they won't give up on RStudio, that it will stay separate from Positron. I really hope that stays true.
Wow so RStudio has switched from being a "real" desktop app to another webview-based thing? Bummer. I hadn't used RStudio for some time but now I probably will continue to not do so. . .