R DataFrame Output Not Persisted After Reopening Notebook

Observation

There is an issue and difference in behavior between data frame created by Python vs. R. Logging an issue for that.

Repro:

1. Upon running the cell, data frame is displayed, as expected.
2. However, if user closes the notebook file and then returns to it, notice that the data frame output for the R cell will NOT load.
3. Instead, it will state "Data unavailable. Re-run cell to view". This is different from the Python cell behavior, which retains the data frame output despite user closing and re-opening the file (despite of saving or not saving).

Originally posted by @rodrigosf672 in #12061

Summary

R data frame outputs are not persisted after closing and reopening a notebook, unlike Python data frames which remain visible.

Repro Steps

1. Run a cell that creates and displays a data frame (in both Python and R).
2. Close the notebook file.
3. Reopen the notebook.

Expected Behavior

Data frame outputs should persist and be visible without re-running cells (consistent with Python behavior).

Actual Behavior

• Python: Output persists as expected.
• R: Output shows “Data unavailable. Re-run cell to view.”

Impact

Inconsistent cross-language behavior; disrupts workflow for R users.

Positron Version: 2026.05.0 build 30
Code - OSS Version: 1.109.2
Commit: d2bce05424152f00e9164e2ea655d53d32e6e232
Date: 2026-04-09T07:51:26.722Z
Electron: 39.3.0
Chromium: 142.0.7444.265
Node.js: 22.21.1
V8: 14.2.231.22-electron.0
OS: Darwin arm64 25.3.0

No source file or test is named. Start by reproducing the notebook behavior with equivalent Python and R data-frame cells, then trace how their outputs are restored after reopening; done means the R output remains visible without rerunning, matching Python behavior.