Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Data Days is here! Join us now for 60+ days of learning, challenges, and connection. Learn more

Reply
FlavioLeccese
Frequent Visitor

Fabric synapse runtime in VS Code for R language

Hi,

 

I have been struggling to find a way to proficiently use R language in Fabric notebooks.

Since online notebooks don't offer minimum features such as code autocompletion, syntax higlighting and so on, I tried to use synapse runtime in vs code and successfully made it work for python (pyspark) kernel.

 

However, I really need to use SparkR engine and I can't figure out the best way (or workaround) to proficiently do that.

  • When using fabric-synapse-runtime for python, It returns an error when running a cell with %%sparkr
  • When using a jupyter R kernel, If I open a SparkR notebook, I am not connected to the spark engine on Fabric losing all Fabric functionalities

Alternatively, is there a way to remotely connect to the spark engine in a Fabric workspace?

Are these features (basic functionalities for R users) in a roadmap?

 

Thank you,

Flavio

 

2 REPLIES 2
FlavioLeccese
Frequent Visitor

I have SparkR installed on local and Fabric notebook is in SparkR:
FlavioLeccese_0-1727975816765.png

However still Synapse runtime does not recognize it.

Searching the internet it appears that this feature is not provided. Do you confirm?
I also tried to create a pyspark notebook and use %%SparkR but still no results.

Anonymous
Not applicable

HI @FlavioLeccese,

Have you tried to install the sparkR package on the local and setting the primary language to sparkR?

Use SparkR - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

In addition, you can also try to use the open notebook in vscode web version if helps:

Create and manage Fabric notebooks from VS Code for the Web - Microsoft Fabric | Microsoft Learn

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

Helpful resources

Announcements
Fabric Data Days is here Carousel

Fabric Data Days 2026

Don't miss out on Data Days, June 15 through August 7. Learn Fabric, Power BI, SQL, AI and more.

June Fabric Update Carousel

Fabric Monthly Update - June 2026

Check out the June 2026 Fabric update to learn about new features.

Top Solution Authors