Python graphics libraries for data visualization
Pandas
The Python Data Analysis (Pandas) Library is available under a BSD-style license. The name is derived from "panel data" and suits multidimensional structured data. The developers have optimized Pandas for speed and therefore implemented critical sections of code in Cython and C. Cython is an optimizing static compiler for Python and the advanced programming language of the same name. It creates compiled C programs that run several times faster than the source code in the Python interpreter.
Listing 3
Pandas Plot
Figure 7 compares the frequency of selected children's names; see Listing 3 for the corresponding code. After defining the required modules (Lines 1 to 3), you set the data to be visualized. Lines 5 and 6 define two lists, one with the name and another with the respective frequency.
Using the internal Python functions list
and zip
, line 7 creates a two-dimensional dataset, from which Pandas generates a view in line 9. You need to assign the collected data to the data
parameter, the data labels to columns
, and the names defined in line 5 to index
.
Pandas renders the frequency of the name along the y axis while outputting the name in the corresponding bar on the x axis as an identifier. The call in line 10 uses df.plot()
and the parameter kind='bar'
to produce the chart.
Conclusions
The Matplotlib, PyQtGraph, Bokeh, and Pandas libraries can help programmers convert abstract data to clear-cut representations with a reasonable amount of effort. Basic knowledge of Python considerably simplifies the use of these visualization libraries. If you are looking to create a specific look, you might need to experiment.
The featured libraries provide extensive capabilities and require a careful reading of the API to set the parameters correctly. Thus, you need patience and the motivation to work through the detailed documentation. The supplied examples will help you familiarize yourself with the order and effect of the calls.
Infos
- Matplotlib: http://matplotlib.org/
- PyQtGraph: http://www.pyqtgraph.org/
- Bokeh: http://bokeh.pydata.org/en/latest/
- Pandas: http://pandas.pydata.org/
- Perl module PLplot: http://plplot.sourceforge.net/index.php
- Perl module Chart::Clicker: https://metacpan.org/pod/Chart::Clicker
- Perl module GD::Graph: https://metacpan.org/pod/GD::Graph
- GD library (PHP): http://php.net/manual/en/book.image.php
- JpGraph (PHP): http://jpgraph.net/
- JavaScript InfoVis Toolkit: http://philogb.github.io/jit/
- D3: https://d3js.org/
- Crossfilter: http://square.github.io/crossfilter/
- jqPlot: http://www.jqplot.com/
- jQuery-Visualize: https://github.com/filamentgroup/jQuery-Visualize
- Flot: http://www.flotcharts.org/
- R: https://www.r-project.org/
- Data visualization tools: http://selection.datavisualization.ch/
- "The 38 best tools for data visualization" by By Brian Suda and Sam Hampton-Smith: http://www.creativebloq.com/design-tools/data-visualization-712402
- "What's new in Python 3" by Rainer Grimm, Linux Pro Magazine, issue 107, October 2009, pg. 42, http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/Issues/2009/107/Python-3
- Basemap: http://matplotlib.org/basemap/
- Cartopy: http://scitools.org.uk/cartopy/docs/latest/
- IPython Notebook: https://ipython.org/ipython-doc/3/notebook/notebook.html
- Jupyter Notebook: http://jupyter.org/index.html
- PyQt on the Python wiki: https://wiki.python.org/moin/PyQt
- PySide on the Qt wiki: http://wiki.qt.io/PySide
- Bokeh examples: http://bokeh.pydata.org/en/latest/docs/gallery/periodic.html
- CPK color model: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPK_coloring
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.