Custom Function, ggplot and return values

Question

Today I noticed something strange. I wrote a function which should return a dataframe and a plot, a plot produced with ggplot2.

But if I run the function, either the plot will not appear or the dataframe.

Do you know this problem and can give me a solution to it?

Thank you very much!

Rainer

Here is a dummy function to make myself clear:

dummyfunct<-function(){
df <- data.frame(time = factor(c("Lunch","Dinner"), levels=c("Lunch","Dinner")),
               total_bill = c(14.89, 17.23))

ggplot(data=df, aes(x=time, y=total_bill)) + geom_bar(aes(fill=time))
return(df)
}

or

dummyfunct<-function(){
df <<- data.frame(time = factor(c("Lunch","Dinner"), levels=c("Lunch","Dinner")),
               total_bill = c(14.89, 17.23))

ggplot(data=df, aes(x=time, y=total_bill)) + geom_bar(aes(fill=time))
}

try: x <- ggplot(data=df, aes(x=time, y=total_bill)) + geom_bar(aes(fill=time)) and then print(x) This is a common challenge to people using ggplot in a function. — Tyler Rinker
– Tyler Rinker, Commented Aug 3, 2012 at 16:08

ah bon · Accepted Answer · 2022-01-26 15:02:55Z

20

I'll answer but I know this is a repeated question and it may likely get closed:

With ggplot you need to explicitally use print inside a function as in:

dummyfunct <- function(){
    df <- data.frame(time = factor(c("Lunch","Dinner"), levels=c("Lunch","Dinner")),
           total_bill = c(14.89, 17.23))
    x <- ggplot(data=df, aes(x=time, y=total_bill)) + geom_bar(aes(fill=time))
    print(x)
    return(df)
} 

dummyfunct()

edited Jan 26, 2022 at 15:02

ah bon

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answered Aug 3, 2012 at 16:09

Tyler Rinker

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1 Comment

rainer Over a year ago

thank you! I did already know that, but haven't thought about it! Think before you post! ;)

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