Python-like unpacking of numeric value in R

Question

In Python, one can do this:

>>> a, b, c = (1, 2, 3)
>>> a
1
>>> b
2
>>> c
3

Is there a way to do it in R, as below?

> a, b, c = c(1, 2, 3)

@FrishMagmol too bad the question was duplicated, I'd love to have it as an answer to be accepted. — brandizzi, Jun 08 '23 at 22:32

score 20 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 02 '13 at 03:44

20

You can do this within a list using [<-

e <- list()

e[c('a','b','c')] <- list(1,2,3)

Or within a data.table using :=

library(data.table)
DT <- data.table()
DT[, c('a','b','c') := list(1,2,3)]

With both of these (lists), you could then use list2env to copy to the global (or some other) environment

list2env(e, envir = parent.frame())

a
## 1
b
## 2
c
## 3

But not in general usage creating objects in an environment.

answered Mar 02 '13 at 03:44

mnel

Nice... wasn't aware of `list2env` - though I can see it being abused rather than used. – thelatemail Mar 02 '13 at 03:54
Actually, I will not use `list2env()` - it seems rather hackish and unnatural in R - but the answer is instructive and comprehensive nonetheless. Also, I learned how to use lists! Thank you! – brandizzi Mar 02 '13 at 04:02

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 02 '13 at 03:54

5

maybe it looks stupid, but I would do this :

v <- list(a=0,b=0,c=0)
v[] <- c(1,2,3)
 v
$a
[1] 1

$b
[1] 2

$c
[1] 3

answered Mar 02 '13 at 03:54

agstudy

2 Answers2