pandas vs xlrd: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the key differences between pandas and xlrd libraries when it comes to working with data in Python.

1. Installation and Importing: Pandas is a third-party library that needs to be installed using the pip command, and it can be imported using the import pandas statement. On the other hand, xlrd is a built-in module in Python's standard library, so it does not require separate installation and can be directly imported using the import xlrd statement.

2. Data Structures: Pandas offers powerful and flexible data structures, such as DataFrames and Series, which allow efficient data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis. It provides a wide range of functionalities for handling large datasets. On the contrary, xlrd primarily focuses on reading data from Excel files and provides limited functions for data manipulation.

3. File Formats: Pandas supports a variety of file formats, including CSV, Excel, SQLite, JSON, and more. It provides functions to read and write data in different file formats seamlessly. In contrast, xlrd specializes in reading data from Excel files, specifically the older .xls format, and does not support other file formats.

4. Dependency: Pandas has a few dependencies, including NumPy and Python's standard library. However, xlrd does not have any external dependencies as it is built into Python's standard library.

5. Compatibility: Pandas is compatible with both Python 2.x and 3.x versions, making it versatile for different Python environments. On the other hand, xlrd is compatible with Python 2.x versions (up to 2.7) but does not support Python 3.x.

6. Readability and Simplicity: Pandas provides a high-level interface, which makes it easier to read, manipulate, and analyze data. It offers intuitive functions and methods that simplify data operations. Conversely, xlrd has a lower-level interface that requires more code and syntax to read and extract data from Excel files.

In Summary, pandas is a comprehensive data manipulation library with a wide range of functionalities and support for various file formats, while xlrd is a specialized module for reading data from Excel files and has limited capabilities compared to pandas.