Shiny builds interactive web apps in R—reactive inputs drive outputs. Install shiny locally; requires runApp() and is not available in the base R playground.
Reactive model (concept)
# ui <- fluidPage(sliderInput(...), plotOutput(...))
# server <- function(input, output) { ... }
# shinyApp(ui, server)When Shiny fits
Internal dashboards for analysts, quick what-if tools—production apps need auth, testing, and deployment patterns beyond this teaser.
Important interview questions and answers
- Q: Shiny vs ggplot static?
A: Shiny adds interactivity; static reports suit regulatory submissions. - Q: Deployment?
A: shinyapps.io, RStudio Connect, or Docker—local dev only in this track.
Self-check
- What function runs a Shiny app?
- Can Shiny run in base Rscript playground?
Tip: Shiny is great for prototypes—production needs auth, tests, and deployment like any web app.
Interview prep
- Shiny reactive?
Inputs trigger recomputation of outputs—server function wires observers and renderers.