openpyxl vs pyexcel: What are the differences?

Introduction

This Markdown provides a comparison between openpyxl and pyexcel, highlighting the key differences between the two Python libraries for working with Excel files.

1. 1. Installation and Compatibility: openpyxl is a widely used library that is compatible with Python 3.6 and above, while pyexcel is compatible with both Python 2 and 3, making it suitable for older Python versions.

2. 2. File Formats Supported: openpyxl primarily supports the newer Excel file formats such as .xlsx, .xlsm, etc. It does not provide direct support for legacy file formats like .xls. On the other hand, pyexcel supports both the newer and older file formats, including .xls and .xlsx, providing greater flexibility in working with different file types.

3. 3. Performance: openpyxl is optimized for performance and memory management when working with large Excel files. It efficiently loads and manipulates data, making it suitable for handling complex workbooks. pyexcel, while capable of handling large files, may not be as efficient as openpyxl for complex operations due to its broader support for different file formats.

4. 4. Features and Functions: openpyxl provides a comprehensive set of features and functions for working with Excel files. It includes support for various workbook operations, cell formatting, data manipulation, chart creation, etc. pyexcel also offers similar functionalities but focuses more on providing a simple and user-friendly interface for basic operations such as reading, writing, and manipulating Excel data.

5. 5. Dependencies: openpyxl has minimal external dependencies and is a standalone library that can be easily installed. pyexcel, on the other hand, relies on multiple external libraries such as xlrd, xlwt, etc., for handling different file formats. This can result in additional dependencies and compatibility issues when using pyexcel.

6. 6. Community and Documentation: openpyxl has a larger community and a well-documented library, making it easier to find support, resources, and examples. pyexcel, while also having an active community, may have fewer resources and documentation compared to openpyxl, making it relatively less accessible for beginners.

In Summary, openpyxl and pyexcel differ in terms of installation compatibility, file format support, performance, features/functions, dependencies, and community/documentation.