How do I clear only a few specific objects from the workspace?

Question

I would like to remove some data from the workspace. I know the \"Clear All\" button will remove all data. However, I would like to remove just certain data.

For exa

Answer 1

Use the following command

remove(list=c("data_1", "data_2", "data_3"))

Answer 2

A useful way to remove a whole set of named-alike objects:

rm(list = ls()[grep("^tmp", ls())])

thereby removing all objects whose name begins with the string "tmp".

Edit: Following Gsee's comment, making use of the pattern argument:

rm(list = ls(pattern = "^tmp"))

Edit: Answering Rafael comment, one way to retain only a subset of objects is to name the data you want to retain with a specific pattern. For example if you wanted to remove all objects whose name do not start with paper you would issue the following command:

rm(list = grep("^paper", ls(), value = TRUE, invert = TRUE))

Answer 3

You'll find the answer by typing ?rm

rm(data_1, data_2, data_3)

Answer 4

If you're using RStudio, please consider never using the rm(list = ls()) approach!* Instead, you should build your workflow around frequently employing the Ctrl+Shift+F10 shortcut to restart your R session. This is the fastest way to both nuke the current set of user-defined variables AND to clear loaded packages, devices, etc. The reproducibility of your work will increase markedly by adopting this habit.

See this excellent thread on Rstudio community for (h/t @kierisi) for a more thorough discussion (the main gist is captured by what I've stated already).

I must admit my own first few years of R coding featured script after script starting with the rm "trick" -- I'm writing this answer as advice to anyone else who may be starting out their R careers.

*of course there are legitimate uses for this -- much like attach -- but beginning users will be much better served (IMO) crossing that bridge at a later date.

Answer 5

Following command will do

rm(list=ls(all=TRUE))

Answer 6

You can use the apropos function which is used to find the objects using partial name.

rm(list = apropos("data_"))