How to save R plot image to database?

Question

I'd like to save a plot image directly to the database.

Is the best way in R to do this:

1. Write the plot image (png) to the filesystem
2. Read the file that was written
3. Send the file to the database via query (RODBC)

Ideally I'd like to combine steps 1 and 2 above by simply write the png image to a binary connection. Does R support this?

Answer 1

No, the graphics devices are file-based, so your steps 1-3 are correct. You need a fourth to unlink the temporary file but that is about it.

Answer 2

If you use either lattice or ggplot, you can save the plot object (rather than the image itself) to the database (although I don't know if that meets your requirement). The benefit of that approach is that you can easily recreate/alter the image.

Answer 3

Instead of writing to a regular file, could you write it to a FIFO that would in turn store it in the DB? Will graphics devices write to a FIFO if it's created externally?