R 3.4.1 Console Interface Very Slow on Mac

Question

I have upgraded R from 3.3.3 to 3.4.1 and am finding that typing text directly into the R Console quickly becomes very laggy, even when R isn't using a lot of resources. I have observed this behavior running the last couple versions of macos sierra (10.12.6, etc.).

It is notable that R functions are not particularly slow when executed. Most of the time I use Textmate 2 to pass code to the console and the code passed in this fashion runs without delay.

I've done extensive searching, but I haven't found anyone else reporting this problem. I've found this behavior on two different macs: 2013 Macbook 13" and 2017 Macbook 15" and have encountered the same problem.

Is there an easy solution to this problem that I'm missing?

Answer 1

The only answer I have been able to find is to roll back R to version 3.3.3, which is the last version before R began using Clang and GNU Fortran to compile the executable (https://cran.r-project.org/bin/macosx/ for more info).

This is not an optimal solution since I have to go back to previous versions of some packages I use (which is further complicated by the hunt for the right version of problematic dependencies). I have been looking through the r-devel threads and don't see a discussion of this, which surprises me because I know that I can't be the only person dealing with this. I will contact the r-devel folks and will update here if I get any additional info.

Update

The discussion on this question has identified that the issue is with the macos R GUI. Unfortunately, it appears that the R GUI developers are aware of this issue, but it is not being listed as a bug. The developers suggest clearing the console – not a workable solution for me given how quickly the problem crops up.

I have come up with a better solution, though it is kind of odd. I realized that since the problem is with the GUI and not R, you can take an old version of the GUI (they are available from the R macos development page). I was hoping to be able to use GUI version 1.69, but this caused a crash immediately. version 1.68 on the other hand does work.

I installed R 3.4.1 on my computer and then downloaded the binary file for GUI version 1.68 and copied it into my applications folder (you don't have to do this, but if you do, make sure to rename the program because otherwise you will replace R). I think opened R via the GUI and loaded R 3.4.1 on R Mac GUI version 1.68. So far it seems to be working fine, confirming that the problem is indeed in the GUI.