RStudio Server
--------------

The RStudio Server web UI can be accessed via the Open OnDemand Applications.


Known Issues:
^^^^^^^^^


RStudio Server Shows Blank or Gray Screen, or Error "Status code 502"
^^^^^^^^^

When using RStudio Server through OnDemand, some users have found that the job starts normally, but upon connecting through OnDemand, a blank or gray screen appears instead of RStudio Server. Occasionally, RStudio Server will load successfully from this screen. **Please wait at least a full minute** on this screen before proceeding to the solution below.

**Resolving**

If the gray screen persists after one minute, or you receive the error:

```
Status code 502 returned by RStudio Server when executing 'client_init'
```

it is possible that RStudio Server is stuck trying to load.

As a workaround, try **reloading the tab and waiting another minute**. This can sometimes resolve the issue.

If the issue continues, **clearing RStudio's temporary files** can help. These are stored at:

```
~/.local/share/rstudio
```

To do this safely, move the files to a backup location with the following command:

```
mv ~/.local/share/rstudio ~/.local/share/rstudio.backup
```

Then, try loading RStudio Server again. Note that it may still take a minute or two for the gray screen to clear, as described above.

⚠️ **Note:** This will likely reset your RStudio session. You may need to reopen previous projects and files, and any unsaved work may be lost.

**Preventing**

While the exact cause is unclear, possible reasons include:

1. RStudio Server's temporary files being corrupted due to an improper shutdown.
2. RStudio Server attempting to reload large files from a previous session.

To minimize the chance of this happening:

- **Properly shut down your RStudio session** before your job times out in OnDemand. Do this by clicking the **power button** in the top-right corner of RStudio Server.
  
- **Prevent RStudio Server from saving your workspace** on exit. To do this:
  
  - Click the **"Tools"** menu and select **"Global Options"**.
  - In the **"General"** pane under the **"Workspace"** section:
  
    - Uncheck: *"Restore .RData into workspace at startup:"*
    - Set: *"Save workspace to .RData on exit:"* to **Never**