Interpolation is the process of embedding a value or variable within a string. In R, this can be accomplished using either the sprintf() function or using curly braces {} with an expression inside a string.
Here are examples of each method:
1. Using sprintf():
# Defining a variable with a value to be interpolated
name <- "John"
# Using sprintf() to interpolate the variable within a string
sprintf("My name is %s.", name)
Output: "My name is John."
In this example, we define the variable name to have a value of "John". We then use sprintf() to create a string that includes that value. The %s is a placeholder indicating that a string value should be inserted into that spot. The name variable is then passed as an argument to sprintf(), replacing the %s and resulting in the final string "My name is John.".
2. Using curly braces {}:
# Defining a variable with a value to be interpolated
age <- 32
# Using curly braces to interpolate the variable within a string
"I am {age} years old."
Output: "I am 32 years old."
In this example, we define the variable age to have a value of 32. We then create a string that includes the expression {age} within curly braces. When the string is printed, the expression is evaluated and replaced with the value of the age variable, resulting in the final string "I am 32 years old.". Note that the curly braces can also contain more complex expressions, such as functions with arguments, mathematical operations, or logical statements.