workflow for working with plots from different (R) processes

[r2evans]

I often have 3+ R sessions simultaneously. They all do effectively the same thing but with different datasets, and due to several factors I use a different R session for each dataset. ^{(Loading different datasets in the same R process is non-negotiable, see my note at the bottom.)}

I often make similar plots in the different R sessions. Positron lets me rename the process, so looking at data in the data pane or code output in the console is unambiguous, it's shown in the interpreter-UI selector (visible when multiple processes exist). The plots pane is not so clear: there is no clear indicator in the UI that a plot is from a particular process.

For instance:

1. Start an R interpreter, for convention I'll name it "R1". Run mt1 <- mtcars; plot(1, 10).
2. Start another R interpreter, "R2". Run mt2 <- mtcars; plot(2, 20).
3. Toggle between the plots, other than us knowing that 1,10 is from R1 and 2,20 is from R2, I don't see another indicator.

Other than modifying the plot itself (adding a text note, caption, or similar), am I missing something in the interface? If not, are there good non-invasive habits or techniques to work through this?

If no easy techniques exist, some thoughts? I know none of these are easy, but ...

• change the selected interpreter based on the plot shown in the pane (plot history)
• add some component to the plots pane UI that indicates the renamed process, so in my example above when looking at the 2,10 point, something in the pane would show "Process: R2" or such

^{More context: I work with NASCAR data, and I'm often looking at multiple series' data for multiple weekends. So for example I might be looking at Cup-series data from Talladega at the same time I'm looking at Truck-series data from Watkins Glen. Each race has many different sets of data, such as laps, pit stops, driver stats, etc. The work I do on both is nearly identical, but if I ever "cross the streams", things get really weird.}

[juliasilge]

We're tracking this feature request in #7031. Want to take a look and add any additional detail on your use case?

[r2evans]

That makes sense, I did not find that when I searched earlier, thank you.