What is a DataFrame in Python?

Introduction

Did you know Python was ranked the most popular programming language per the PYPL Popularity of Programming Language Index? The programming language accounts for 28.2% of the market share, which makes it top the chart. The Pandas library is at the heart of the versatility of this open-source language. Then comes what is DataFrame in Python, the cornerstone for storing and manipulating data in an accessible manner.

So, what is DataFrame in Python, and what relevance does it hold in the programming language? Also, learn about the best Python Certification course. Read further to know!

What is DataFrame in Python?

A DataFrame in Python is a way of storing and manipulating tabular data in the high-level programming language. DataFrames look like tables with columns and rows that you may find in any Google Sheet or Excel workbook. Check out this Python guide for beginners to learn about the programming language, what is DataFrame in Python and how to create a DataFrame in Python.

Hence, a DataFrame is a two-dimensional structure that the pandas library offers to its users. Consider it a container that helps store and manipulate labeled data in rows and columns. 

Meanwhile, here are the features of a DataFrame function in Python:

How to Create a Pandas DataFrame?

Knowing how to define a DataFrame in Python is not enough for professionals to excel in this field. Data professionals, analysts, and Python developers alike must know how to create DataFrame in Python. 

The Pandas DataFrame is an important part of Python and is mostly used in data analysis and manipulation. You can learn more about Pandas by attending a Python online class. 

Meanwhile, scroll below to learn how to create a DataFrame in Python Pandas. 

Method 1

Install the Pandas library into the specific Python environment. Then, create an empty basic DataFrame. Let us understand how to create a DataFrame in Python with the following DataFrame in Python example to know the process to create DataFrame in Python:

#import pandas as pd  
import pandas as pd  
  
#Calling DataFrame constructor  
df = pd.DataFrame()  
  
print(df)  

Output: 
Empty DataFrame
Columns: ()
Index: ()

Method 2

Create a DataFrame using a list or list of lists. Here is another example of how to create a DataFrame in Python:

#importing pandas library  
import pandas as pd  
  
#string values in the list   
lst = ['Java', 'Python', 'C', 'C++',  
         'JavaScript', 'Swift', 'Go']  
  
# Calling DataFrame constructor on list  
dframe = pd.DataFrame(lst)  
print(dframe)  

Output:
0        Java
1      Python
2           C
3         C++
4   JavaScript
5       Swift
6          Go

Method 3

Use the dict of ndarray/lists to create the DataFrame. Remember that the specific ndarray must be of the same length. Moreover, the index will be considered range(n) by default. Here, n denotes the array length.

To create dataframe in python, take a look at an ndarray-created DataFrame in Python example:

#import pandas as pd  
  
#assign data of lists.  
data = {'Name': ['XYZ', 'ABC', 'EFG', 'KLM'], 'Age': [19, 21, 18, 22]}  
  
#Create DataFrame  
df = pd.DataFrame(data)  
  
#Print output
print(df)  

Output:
     Name  Age
0     XYZ   19
1     ABC  21
2    EFG   18
3    KLM   22

Method 4

Create an Index DataFrame using the arrays. Here is an example:

#import pandas as pd  

# assign data of lists.  

data = {'Name':['Maruti', 'Honda', 'Ratings':[8.0, 9.0]}  

# Creates pandas DataFrame.  

df = pd.DataFrame(data, index =['position1', 'position2')  

# print the data  

print(df) 

Output:

 Name      Ratings

position1     Maruti      8.0

position2     Honda      9.0

Method 5

Create a DataFrame using a list of dicts. It means you can pass the lists of dictionaries as input data to create the particular Pandas DataFrame. You must take the column names as keys by default. Take a look at the following DataFrame example:

#import pandas as pd  

# assign values to lists.  

data = [{'A': 10, 'B': 20, 'C':30}, {'x':100, 'y': 200, 'z': 300}]  

# Creates DataFrame.  

df = pd.DataFrame(data)  

# Print the data  

print(df)  

Output: 

   A      B      C      x      y      z

0  10.0  20.0  30.0    NaN    NaN    NaN

1   NaN   NaN   NaN  100.0  200.0  300.0

Method 6

Create a DataFrame with the zip() function that helps merge two lists. Here is an example:

#import pandas as pd  

# List1  

Name = ['tom', 'krish', 'arun', 'juli']  

# List2  

Marks = [95, 63, 54, 47]  

#  two lists.  

# and merge them by using zip().  

list_tuples = list(zip(Name, Marks))  

# Assign data to tuples.  

print(list_tuples)  

# Converting lists of tuples into  

# pandas Dataframe.  

dframe = pd.DataFrame(list_tuples, columns=['Name', 'Marks'])  

# Print data.  

print(dframe) 

Output:

[('tom', 95), ('krish', 63), ('arun', 54), ('juli', 47)]

    Name  Marks

0   tom       95

1  krish      63

2   arun     54

3   juli       47

Method 7

The dictionary can also be passed to create a fresh DataFrame. You can use the dict of Series where the Index involves the union of all the Series of the earlier passed Index value. Let us understand what is DataFrame in Python with the help of the following DataFrame creation example:

#import pandas as pd  

# Initialize data to Dicts of series.  

d = {'Electronics': pd.Series([97, 56, 87, 45], index =['John', 'Abhinay', 'Peter', 'Andrew']),  

   'Civil': pd.Series([97, 88, 44, 96], index =['John', 'Abhinay', 'Peter', 'Andrew'])}  

# creates Dataframe.  

dframe = pd.DataFrame(d)  

# print the data.  

print(dframe)  

Output:

 Electronics      Civil

John            97        97

Abhinay      56        88

Peter          87        44

Andrew      45        96

Here are some Python project ideas that you should know about as a professional. 

Fundamental DataFrame Operations

Now that you know what is DataFrame in Python and how to create a DataFrame in Python, let’s talk about the fundamentals of DataFrame Operations. There are different useful data operations for DataFrame in Pandas, which are as follows:

Conclusion

Now that you know how to create a DataFrame in Python, rest assured that you have a powerful tool for efficient data analysis, manipulation, and visualization. It enables you to tackle diverse tasks in data science and analytics with confidence and ease. 

Choose Janbask to undertake a Python certification online and learn how to create a DataFrame using the easiest methods. The Python online training will enable you to master advanced DataFrame operations and explore data visualization techniques. So, why wait? Enroll with us now!

FAQs

Q1. What Is a Data Frame in Python?

Ans. So, What is a Data Frame in Python? A DataFrame in Python is a two-dimensional, tabular data structure provided by the Pandas library. It organizes data into rows and columns, similar to a table, making it convenient for data manipulation and analysis.

Q2. Why Is Dataframe Used in Python?

Ans. DataFrames work like SQL tables or the spreadsheets associated with Excel or Calc. These two-dimensional labeled data structures are faster and easier to use. This makes them more powerful than tables or spreadsheets. That is why DataFrames become an integral part of the Python ecosystems.

Q3. Is Dataframe a Table in Python?

Ans. While DataFrame may have a similar tabular look, it is more than that when it comes to implementing the structure in Python. It involves several data structures and operations across systems that help run the programming language efficiently.

Q4. What Are the Most Common Data Structures?

Ans. DataFrames are one of the most common data structures in present times. They are used in all types of modern data analytics. These structures are a flexible and intuitive way of storing and working with different data types.

Q5. What Differentiates a Dataframe From a Dataset?

Ans. DataFrames always have a wider variety of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).  Moreover, these structures are more flexible when it comes to data manipulation. Datasets, on the other hand, have a more limited set of APIs. Yet, they are more concise and expressive than DataFrames. 

Q6. Are All Dataframes Immutable?

Ans. A few DataFrames, like RDDs, are immutable. A new frame is always created when you define a transformation on another data frame. However, the original data frame cannot be modified in place in all cases.

Q7. Is Pandas Dataframe in the Form of a Table?

Ans. The Pandas DataFrame is like a Google or Excel spreadsheet. It represents data as a table with different rows and columns.

Q8. How Do I Create Dataframe in Python Using the Pandas Library?

Ans. To create DataFrame in Python with Pandas, you can use dictionaries or read data from external sources like CSV files. Explore the Pandas documentation for detailed methods on how to create DataFrame in Python.

Q9. What Is the Step-By-Step Process to Create Dataframe in Python?

Ans. First, install Pandas. Import it into your script or Jupyter notebook. Use pd.DataFrame() with a dictionary or other data structures to initialize your DataFrame. For example, pd.DataFrame({'Column1': [1, 2, 3], 'Column2': ['A', 'B', 'C']}). Experiment with data sources and Pandas functions for creating DataFrames in Python.