openpyxl vs xlrd: What are the differences?

Introduction: Openpyxl and xlrd are both Python libraries used for working with Excel files. While they have similar purposes, there are some key differences between the two.

1. Parsing Excel Files: Openpyxl is capable of reading, writing, and modifying Excel files in the newer .xlsx format, while xlrd supports older .xls formats. Openpyxl has built-in support for Excel features like charts and images, and can handle more complex Excel files compared to xlrd, which is primarily focused on reading data from simpler Excel files.

2. Compatibility: Openpyxl is compatible with newer versions of Python (3.x), while xlrd can also be used with older versions like Python 2.x. Openpyxl also provides better support for newer versions of Excel, whereas xlrd has limited support for advanced features introduced in newer Excel versions.

3. Ease of Use: Openpyxl has a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for developers to work with. It provides a higher-level API and better documentation compared to xlrd, which can be beneficial for beginners or those with limited experience working with Excel files.

4. Performance and Speed: In terms of performance, xlrd is known to be faster when it comes to reading large Excel files. It uses C libraries internally for better performance, while openpyxl is pure Python. However, for smaller files or scenarios where advanced Excel features are required, openpyxl may be a better choice due to its comprehensive capabilities.

5. Writing and Modifying Excel Files: Openpyxl offers more flexibility when it comes to modifying and creating Excel files. It allows for the creation of new Excel files from scratch, as well as modifying existing files (adding, deleting, or modifying sheets, cells, etc.). On the other hand, xlrd is mainly focused on reading data from Excel files and does not provide extensive support for modifying or creating Excel files.

6. Active Development and Community Support: Openpyxl has a larger and more active development community compared to xlrd. It is actively maintained and regularly updated, ensuring better performance, bug fixes, and new features. In contrast, xlrd is no longer actively developed, and while it still works well for reading simple Excel files, it may not receive as much support in the future.

In Summary, Openpyxl is a more feature-rich and modern library for working with Excel files, supporting newer formats and providing better documentation and ease of use. However, xlrd is faster for reading large Excel files and can still be useful for reading simple Excel files in older formats.