Question 1

How to install V8 on Ubuntu without breaking?

Accepted Answer

For easiest setup, set the environment variable DOWNLOAD_STATIC_LIBV8=1 before installing to automatically download a static libv8 build. Alternatively, install libv8-dev via apt, but this may require handling system dependencies manually.

Question 2

Can I use npm packages in R with V8?

Accepted Answer

Yes, via browserify as detailed in the vignette, allowing you to bundle npm modules for use in R. You can also source libraries directly from CDNs using ctx$source() for simpler cases.

Question 3

V8 or reticulate for running external code in R?

Accepted Answer

V8 is for JavaScript and WebAssembly, while reticulate is for Python. Choose V8 if you need JavaScript libraries or WebAssembly; for Python data science tools, reticulate is the better fit.

Question 4

How to pass data between R and JavaScript in V8?

Accepted Answer

Use ctx$assign() to send data from R to JavaScript and ctx$get() to retrieve results. For complex objects, serialize as JSON, but be mindful of performance with large datasets.

Question 5

Is V8 good for Shiny apps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can run JavaScript logic server-side in Shiny, but manage contexts carefully to avoid memory leaks in long sessions. It's not for client-side browser interactivity.

Question 6

What JavaScript features does V8 support?

Accepted Answer

Support depends on the linked libv8 version; check the package documentation for specifics. Older versions might lack latest ECMAScript features, so verify compatibility for your use case.

V8

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