Python

The classic Java vs Python debate is almost like the programming world’s version of “tabs vs spaces” or “light mode vs dark mode.” As you step into the world of coding, you will come across passionate discussions and heated arguments about which language reigns supreme in the programming world!

Choosing between Java and Python is like choosing between a structured classroom lecture and an interactive online course; both will teach you a lot, but the experience is completely different. However, the best choice depends on what you want to build, how fast you want to develop, and where you see your career heading.

If you’re a beginner, this decision shapes your learning curve. If you’re a developer, it influences the projects you work on. And if you’re a business owner, it affects the technology driving your product. So, which one should you go for?

In this blog, we will break down the key differences so you can make an informed choice and take the first step toward your programming future. Let’s dive in!

 

 

Overview of Java and Python

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a step back and get to know our two contenders. Both languages have stood the test of time, but they serve different purposes and cater to different coding styles. Let’s explore what makes each of them unique.

What is Java?

Java came to life in 1995, thanks to James Gosling and his team at Sun Microsystems. Originally intended for interactive television, it quickly found a much bigger role in enterprise applications, backend systems, and Android development.

Over the years, Java has grown and adapted, but its core values – reliability, portability, and security – have stayed rock solid. It is an object-oriented, statically typed, compiled language that requires variable types to be defined upfront, and translates code into an efficient, executable format.

One of Java’s biggest superpowers is its “Write Once, Run Anywhere” (WORA) capability. Since it runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), the same code can work on any device, operating system, or platform without modifications.

What is Python?

Python came into existence in 1991 by Guido van Rossum with a simple goal: to make programming more accessible and enjoyable.

Fun fact: The language is named after the comedy group Monty Python’s Flying Circus and not the snake!

This playful spirit is reflected in Python’s clean, minimalistic syntax, making it one of the easiest languages to learn. It is an interpreted, dynamically typed language that executes the code line by line and does not require you to declare variable types explicitly.

The simplicity and readability of the language truly set it apart. This makes Python a favorite for both beginners getting started and experienced developers who want to move fast.

 

Here’s a list of top Python libraries for data science

 

Compiled vs. Interpreted Languages: How Java and Python Execute Code?

Ever wondered why Java applications tend to run faster than Python scripts? Or why Python lets you test code instantly without compiling? It all comes down to how these languages are executed.

Programming languages generally fall into two categories – compiled and interpreted. This distinction affects everything from performance and debugging to how easily your code runs across different systems. Let’s break it down!

What is a Compiled Language?

A compiled language takes your entire code and converts it into machine code (binary) before running the program. This process is handled by a compiler, which generates an independent executable file (like .exe or .class).

Once compiled, the program can run directly on the computer’s hardware without needing the original source code. Think of it like translating a book where, instead of translating each page as you read, you translate the whole thing first, so you can read it smoothly later. This ensures:

• Faster execution – Since the code is pre-compiled, the program runs much more efficiently
• Optimized performance – The compiler fine-tunes the code before execution, making better use of system resources
• Less flexibility for quick edits – Any changes require a full recompilation, which can slow down development

Common examples of compiled languages include C, C++, and Java. These languages prioritize speed and efficiency, making them ideal for performance-intensive applications.

What is an Interpreted Language?

Unlike compiled languages that translate code all at once, interpreted languages work in real time, executing line by line as the program runs. Instead of a compiler, they rely on an interpreter, which reads and processes each instruction on the fly.

Think of it like a live translator at an international conference where, instead of translating an entire speech beforehand, the interpreter delivers each sentence as it is spoken. This offers:

• Instant execution – No need to compile; just write your code and run it immediately
• Easier debugging – If something breaks, the interpreter stops at that line, making it simpler to track errors
• Slower performance – Since the code is being processed line by line, it runs slower compared to compiled programs

It includes examples like Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Ruby. These languages are all about convenience and quick iteration, making them perfect for developers who want to write, test, and modify code on the go.

 

 

How Java and Python Handle Execution?

Now that we know the difference between compiled and interpreted languages, let’s see where Java and Python fit in.

Java: A Hybrid Approach

Java takes a middle-ground approach that is not fully compiled like C++, nor fully interpreted like Python. Instead, it follows a two-step execution process:

1. Compiles to Bytecode – Java code is first converted into an intermediate form called bytecode
2. Runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) – The bytecode is not executed directly by the computer but runs on the JVM, making Java platform-independent

To boost performance, Java also uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which converts bytecode into native machine code at runtime, improving speed without losing flexibility.

Python: Fully Interpreted

Python, on the other hand, sticks to a purely interpreted approach. Key steps of Python execution include:

1. Compiling to Bytecode: Java code is first compiled into an intermediate form called bytecode (.class files)
2. Running on the JVM: This bytecode is not executed directly by the system but runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), making Java platform-independent
3. JIT Compilation for Speed: Java uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which converts bytecode into native machine code at runtime, optimizing performance
4. Python Interpreter: It reads and executes code line by line, skipping the need for compilation

This makes Python slower in execution compared to Java, but much faster for development and debugging, since you do not need to compile every change.

 

Explore the NLP techniques and tasks to implement using Python

 

While understanding how Java and Python execute code gives us a solid foundation, there is more to this debate than just compilation vs. interpretation. These two languages have key differences that shape how developers use them. Let’s dive deeper into the major differences between Java and Python and see which one fits your needs best!

Java vs Python: Key Differences Every Developer Should Know

Now that we’ve explored how Java and Python execute code, let’s dive into the key differences that set them apart. Whether you’re choosing a language for your next project or just curious about how they compare, understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision.

 

 

1. Syntax & Readability

One of the biggest differences between Java and Python is their syntax. Let’s understand this difference with an example of printing “Hello, World!” in both languages.

Python is known for its clean, simple, and English-like syntax. It focuses on readability, reducing the need for extra symbols like semicolons or curly braces. As a result, Python code is often shorter and easier to write, making it a great choice for beginners.

You can print “Hello, World!” in Python using the following code:

 

Java, on the other hand, is more structured and verbose. It follows a strict syntax that requires explicit declarations, semicolons, and curly braces. While this adds some complexity, it also enforces consistency, which is beneficial for large-scale applications.

In Java, the same output can be printed using the code below:

 

As you can see, Python gets straight to the point, while Java requires more structure.

2. Speed & Performance

Performance is another key factor when comparing Java vs Python.

Java is generally faster because it uses Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which compiles bytecode into native machine code at runtime, improving execution speed. Java is often used for high-performance applications like enterprise software, banking systems, and Android apps.

Python is slower since it executes code line by line. However, performance can be improved with optimized implementations like PyPy or by using external libraries written in C (e.g., NumPy for numerical computations). Python is still fast enough for most applications, especially in AI, data science, and web development.

 

Here’s a list of top Python packages you must explore

 

3. Typing System (Static vs. Dynamic)

Both programming languages also differ in ways they handle data types. This difference can be highlighted in the way a variable is declared in both languages.

Java is statically typed – You must declare variable types before using them. This helps catch errors early and makes the code more predictable, but requires extra effort when coding. This static typing makes it more reliable, helps prevent errors, but requires more code. For instance:

 

Python is dynamically typed – Variables do not require explicit type declarations, making development faster. While this can lead to unexpected errors at runtime, it also makes the language faster to write and more flexible. Such a variable declaration in Python will look like:

 

4. Memory Management & Garbage Collection

Both Java and Python automatically manage memory, but they do it differently. Let’s take a closer look at how each programming language gets it done.

Java uses automatic garbage collection via the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which efficiently handles memory allocation and cleanup. Its garbage collector runs in the background, optimizing performance without manual intervention. Hence, it is more optimized to handle large-scale applications.

Python also has garbage collection, but it mainly relies on reference counting. When an object’s reference count drops to zero, it is removed from memory. However, Python’s memory management can sometimes lead to inefficiencies, especially in large applications.

5. Concurrency & Multithreading

Similarly, when it comes to multithreading and parallel execution, both Java and Python handle it differently.

Java excels in multithreading. Thanks to its built-in support for threads, Java allows true parallel execution, making it ideal for applications requiring high-performance processing, like gaming engines or financial software.

Python, on the other hand, faces limitations due to the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL). The GIL prevents multiple threads from executing Python bytecode simultaneously, which limits true parallelism. However, it supports multiprocessing, helping bypass the GIL for CPU-intensive tasks.

 

You can also learn to build a recommendation system using Python

 

Thus, when it comes to Java vs Python, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you need speed, performance, and scalability, Java is the way to go. If you prioritize simplicity, rapid development, and flexibility, Python is your best bet.

Java vs Python: Which One to Use for Your Next Project?

Now that we’ve explored the key differences between Java and Python, the next big question is: Which one should you use for your next project?

To answer this question, you must understand where each of these language excel. While both languages have carved out their own niches in the tech world, let’s break it down further for better understanding.

 

 

Where to Use Java?

Java’s reliability, speed, and scalability make it a top choice for several critical applications. A few key ones are discussed below:

• Enterprise Applications (Banking, Finance, and More)

Java has long been the backbone of banking and financial applications, as they need secure, fast, and highly scalable systems. Many large enterprises rely on Java frameworks like Spring and Hibernate to build and maintain their financial software. For instance, global banks like Citibank and JPMorgan Chase use Java for their core banking applications.

• Android Development

While Kotlin has gained traction in recent years, Java is still widely used for Android app development. Since Android apps run on the Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM), which is similar to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), Java remains a go-to language for Android developers. Popular Android apps built using Java include Spotify and Twitter.

• Large-Scale Backend Systems

Java’s robust ecosystem makes it ideal for handling complex backend systems. Frameworks like Spring Boot and Hibernate help developers build secure, scalable, and high-performance backend services. Even today, E-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay rely on Java for their backend operations.

• High-Performance Applications

Java is a compiled language with Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, performing better in compute-intensive applications compared to interpreted languages like Python. This makes it ideal for applications that require fast execution, low latency, and high reliability, like stock trading platforms and high-frequency trading (HFT) systems.

When to Choose Python?

Meanwhile, Python’s flexibility, simplicity, and powerful libraries make it the preferred choice for data-driven applications, web development, and automation. Let’s look closer at the preferred use cases for the programming language.

• Data Science, AI, and Machine Learning

Python has become the best choice for AI and machine learning. With libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, NumPy, and Pandas, Python makes it incredibly easy to develop and deploy data science and AI models. Google, Netflix, and Tesla use Python for AI-driven recommendations, data analytics, and self-driving car software.

 

Learn to build AI-based chatbots using Python

 

• Web Development (Django, Flask)

Python’s simplicity and rapid development capabilities make it suitable for web development. Frameworks like Django and Flask allow developers to build secure, scalable web applications quickly. For instance, websites like Instagram and Pinterest are built using Python and Django.

• Automation and Scripting

Automation is one of the strengths of Python, making it a top choice for data scraping, server management, or workflow automation. Python can save hours of manual work with just a few lines of code. Its common use is in companies like Reddit and NASA for automating tasks like data analysis and infrastructure management.

• Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing

Python is widely used in ethical hacking and cybersecurity due to its ability to automate security testing, develop scripts for vulnerability scanning, and perform network penetration testing. Security professionals use Python to identify system weaknesses and secure networks. Popular security tools like Metasploit and Scapy are built using Python.

 

You can also learn about Python in data science.

 

To sum it up:

• Java for large-scale enterprise applications, Android development, or performance-heavy systems
• Python for AI, data science, web development, or automation

And if you still cannot make up your mind, you can always learn both languages!

 

 

Java or Python? Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Both languages are in high demand, with Python leading in AI and automation and Java dominating enterprise and backend systems. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be investing in a skill that opens doors to exciting career opportunities in the ever-evolving tech world.

The best language for you depends on where you want to take your career. Since both are the best choices in their domains, whether you choose Python’s flexibility or Java’s robustness, you will be setting yourself up for a thriving tech career!

Python is a programming language that has become the backbone of modern AI and machine learning. It provides the perfect mix of simplicity and power, making it the go-to choice for AI research, deep learning, and Generative AI.

Python plays a crucial role in enabling machines to generate human-like text, create realistic images, compose music, and even design code. From academic researchers and data scientists to creative professionals, anyone looking to harness AI’s potential uses Python to boost their skills and build real-world applications.

But what makes Python so effective for Generative AI?

The answer lies in Python libraries which are specialized toolkits that handle complex AI processes like deep learning, natural language processing, and image generation. Understanding these libraries is key to unlocking the full potential of AI-driven creativity.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top Python libraries for Generative AI, breaking down their features, use cases, and how they can help you build the next big AI-powered creation. Let’s begin with understanding what Python libraries are and why they matter.

 

 

What are Python Libraries?

When writing code for a project, it is a great help if you do not have to write every single line of code from scratch. This is made possible by the use of Python libraries.

A Python library is a collection of pre-written code modules that provide specific functionalities, making it easier for developers to implement various features without writing the code all over again. These libraries bundle useful functions, classes, and pre-built algorithms to simplify complex programming tasks.

Whether you are working on machine learning, web development, or automation, Python libraries help you speed up development, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. These libraries are one of the most versatile and widely used programming tools.

 

Here’s a list of useful Python packages that you must know about

 

Here’s why they are indispensable for developers:

Code Reusability – Instead of writing repetitive code, you can leverage pre-built functions, saving time and effort.

Simplifies Development – Libraries abstract away low-level operations, so you can focus on higher-level logic rather than reinventing solutions.

Community-Driven & Open-Source – Most Python libraries are backed by large developer communities, ensuring regular updates, bug fixes, and extensive documentation.

Optimized for Performance – Libraries like NumPy and TensorFlow are built with optimized algorithms to handle complex computations efficiently.

Popular Python Libraries for Generative AI

Python is a popular programming language for generative AI, as it has a wide range of libraries and frameworks available. Here are 10 of the top Python libraries for generative AI:

 1. TensorFlow

Developed by Google Brain, TensorFlow is an open-source machine learning (ML) library that makes it easy to build, train, and deploy deep learning models at scale. It simplifies the entire ML pipeline, from data preprocessing to model optimization.

TensorFlow provides robust tools and frameworks for building and training generative models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). It can be used to train and deploy a variety of generative models, such as GANs, autoencoders, diffusion models, and more.

Here’s a list of the types of neural networks

The TensorFlow library provides:

• TensorFlow Hub – A collection of ready-to-use models for quick experimentation.
• Colab Notebooks – A beginner-friendly way to run TensorFlow code in the cloud without installations.
• TensorFlow.js – Bring AI into web applications with JavaScript support.
• TensorFlow Lite – Deploy AI models on mobile devices and edge computing for real-world applications.
• TensorFlow Extended (TFX) – A complete suite for building production-grade AI models, ensuring seamless deployment.
• Keras Integration – Offers an intuitive API that simplifies complex AI model building, making it accessible to beginners and pros alike.

This makes TensorFlow a good choice for generative AI because it is flexible and powerful with a large community of users and contributors. Thus, it remains at the forefront, enabling developers, artists, and innovators to push the boundaries of what AI can create. If you are looking to build the next AI-powered masterpiece, TensorFlow is your ultimate tool.

 

 

2. PyTorch

PyTorch is another popular open-source machine learning library that is well-suited for generative AI. It has been developed by Meta AI (Facebook AI Research), becoming a popular tool among researchers, developers, and AI enthusiasts.

What makes PyTorch special?

It combines flexibility, ease of use, and unmatched performance, making it the go-to library for Generative AI applications. Whether you’re training neural networks to create images, synthesize voices, or generate human-like text, PyTorch gives you the tools to innovate without limits.

It is a good choice for beginners and experienced users alike, enabling all to train and deploy a variety of generative models, like conditional GANs, autoregressive models, and diffusion models. Below is a list of features PyTorch offers to make it easier to deploy AI models:

• TorchVision & TorchAudio – Ready-to-use datasets and tools for AI-powered image and audio processing.
• TorchScript for Production – Convert research-grade AI models into optimized versions for real-world deployment.
• Hugging Face Integration – Access pre-trained transformer models for NLP and AI creativity.
• Lightning Fast Prototyping – Rapidly build and test AI models with PyTorch Lightning.
• CUDA Acceleration – Seamless GPU support ensures fast and efficient model training.
• Cloud & Mobile Deployment – Deploy your AI models on cloud platforms, mobile devices, or edge computing systems.

PyTorch is a good choice for generative AI because it is easy to use and has a large community of users and contributors. It empowers developers, artists, and innovators to create futuristic AI applications that redefine creativity and automation.

 

 

3. Transformers

Transformers is a Python library by Hugging Face that provides a unified API for training and deploying transformer models. Transformers are a type of neural network architecture that is particularly well-suited for natural language processing tasks, such as text generation and translation.

If you’ve heard of GPT, BERT, T5, or Stable Diffusion, you’ve already encountered the power of transformers. They can be used to train and deploy a variety of generative models, including transformer-based text generation models like GPT-3 and LaMDA.

Instead of training models from scratch (which can take weeks), Transformers lets you use and fine-tune powerful models in minutes. Its key features include:

• Pre-Trained Models – Access 1000+ AI models trained on massive datasets.
• Multi-Modal Capabilities – Works with text, images, audio, and even code generation.
• Easy API Integration – Get AI-powered results with just a few lines of Python.
• Works Across Frameworks – Supports TensorFlow, PyTorch, and JAX.
• Community-Driven Innovation – A thriving community continuously improving the library.

Transformers is a good choice for generative AI because it is easy to use and provides a unified API for training and deploying transformer models. It has democratized Generative AI, making it accessible to anyone with a vision to create.

4. Diffusers

Diffusers is a Python library for diffusion models, which are a type of generative model that can be used to generate images, audio, and other types of data. Developed by Hugging Face, this library provides a seamless way to create stunning visuals using generative AI.

Diffusers provides a variety of pre-trained diffusion models and tools for training and fine-tuning your own models. Such models will excel at generating realistic, high-resolution images, videos, and even music from noise.

 

Explore the RAG vs Fine-tuning debate

 

Its key features can be listed as follows:

• Pre-Trained Diffusion Models – Includes Stable Diffusion, Imagen, and DALL·E-style models.
• Text-to-Image Capabilities – Convert simple text prompts into stunning AI-generated visuals.
• Fine-Tuning & Custom Models – Train or adapt models to fit your unique creative vision.
• Supports Image & Video Generation – Expand beyond static images to AI-powered video synthesis.
• Easy API & Cross-Framework Support – Works with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX.

Diffusers is a good choice for generative AI because it is easy to use and provides a variety of pre-trained diffusion models. It is at the core of some of the most exciting AI-powered creative applications today because Diffusers gives you the power to turn ideas into visual masterpieces.

 

 

 

5. Jax

Jax is a high-performance numerical computation library for Python with a focus on machine learning and deep learning research. It is developed by Google AI and has been used to achieve state-of-the-art results in a variety of machine learning tasks, including generative AI.

It is an alternative to NumPy with automatic differentiation, GPU/TPU acceleration, and parallel computing capabilities. Jax brings the power of automatic differentiation and just-in-time (JIT) compilation to Python.

It’s designed to accelerate machine learning, AI research, and scientific computing by leveraging modern hardware like GPUs and TPUs seamlessly. Some key uses of Jax for generative AI include training GANs, diffusion models, and more.

At its core, JAX provides:

• NumPy-like API – A familiar interface for Python developers.
• Automatic Differentiation (Autograd) – Enables gradient-based optimization for deep learning.
• JIT Compilation (via XLA) – Speeds up computations by compiling code to run efficiently on GPUs/TPUs.
• Vectorization (via vmap) – Allows batch processing for large-scale AI training.
• Parallel Execution (via pmap) – Distributes computations across multiple GPUs effortlessly.

In simple terms, JAX makes your AI models faster, more scalable, and highly efficient, unlocking performance levels beyond traditional deep learning frameworks.

 

Get started with Python, check out our instructor-led Python for Data Science training.

 

6. LangChain

LangChain is a Python library for chaining multiple generative models together. This can be useful for creating more complex and sophisticated generative applications, such as text-to-image generation or image-to-text generation. It helps developers chain together multiple components—like memory, APIs, and databases—to create more dynamic and interactive AI applications.

This library is a tool for developing applications powered by large language models (LLMs). It acts as a bridge, connecting LLMs like OpenAI’s GPT, Meta’s LLaMA, or Anthropic’s Claude with external data sources, APIs, and complex workflows.

If you’re building chatbots, AI-powered search engines, document processing systems, or any kind of generative AI application, LangChain is your go-to toolkit. Key features of LangChain include:

• Seamless Integration with LLMs – Works with OpenAI, Hugging Face, Cohere, Anthropic, and more.
• Memory for Context Retention – Enables chatbots to remember past conversations.
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) – Enhances AI responses by fetching real-time external data.
• Multi-Agent Collaboration – Enables multiple AI agents to work together on tasks.
• Extensive API & Database Support – Connects with Google Search, SQL, NoSQL, vector databases, and more.
• Workflow Orchestration – Helps chain AI-driven processes together for complex automation.

Hence, LangChain supercharges LLMs, making them more context-aware, dynamic, and useful in real-world applications.

 

Learn all you need to know about what is LangChain

 

7. LlamaIndex

In the world of Generative AI, one of the biggest challenges is connecting AI models with real-world data sources. LlamaIndex is the bridge that makes this connection seamless, empowering AI to retrieve, process, and generate responses from structured and unstructured data efficiently.

LlamaIndex is a Python library for ingesting and managing private data for machine learning models. It can be used to store and manage your training datasets and trained models in a secure and efficient way. Its key features are:

• Data Indexing & Retrieval – Organizes unstructured data and enables quick, efficient searches.
• Seamless LLM Integration – Works with GPT-4, LLaMA, Claude, and other LLMs.
• Query Engine – Converts user questions into structured queries for accurate results.
• Advanced Embeddings & Vector Search – Uses vector databases to improve search results.
• Multi-Source Data Support – Index data from PDFs, SQL databases, APIs, Notion, Google Drive, and more.
• Hybrid Search & RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) – Enhances AI-generated responses with real-time, contextual data retrieval.

This makes LlamaIndex a game-changer for AI-driven search, retrieval, and automation. If you want to build smarter, context-aware AI applications that truly understand and leverage data, it is your go-to solution.

 

Read in detail about the LangChain vs LlamaIndex debate

 

8. Weight and Biases

Weights & Biases is an industry-leading tool for experiment tracking, hyperparameter optimization, model visualization, and collaboration. It integrates seamlessly with popular AI frameworks, making it a must-have for AI researchers, ML engineers, and data scientists.

Think of W&B as the control center for your AI projects, helping you track every experiment, compare results, and refine models efficiently. Below are some key features of W&B:

• Experiment Tracking – Log model parameters, metrics, and outputs automatically.
• Real-Time Visualizations – Monitor losses, accuracy, gradients, and more with interactive dashboards.
• Hyperparameter Tuning – Automate optimization with Sweeps, finding the best configurations effortlessly.
• Dataset Versioning – Keep track of dataset changes for reproducible AI workflows.
• Model Checkpointing & Versioning – Save and compare different versions of your model easily.
• Collaborative AI Development – Share experiment results with your team via cloud-based dashboards.

Hence, if you want to scale your AI projects efficiently, Weights & Biases is a must-have tool. It eliminates the hassle of manual logging, visualization, and experiment tracking, so you can focus on building groundbreaking AI-powered creations.

 

 

The Future of Generative AI with Python

Generative AI is more than just a buzzword. It is transforming the way we create, innovate, and solve problems. Whether it is AI-generated art, music composition, or advanced chatbots, Python and its powerful libraries make it all possible.

What’s exciting is that this field is evolving faster than ever. New tools, models, and breakthroughs are constantly pushing the limits of what AI can do.

 

 

And the best part?

Most of these advancements are open-source, meaning anyone can experiment, build, and contribute. So, if you’ve ever wanted to dive into AI and create something groundbreaking, now is the perfect time. With Python by your side, the possibilities are endless. The only question is: what will you build next?

Python is a versatile and powerful programming language! Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just stepping into coding, Python’s simplicity and readability make it a favorite among programmers.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is the vast array of libraries and packages available for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. But what truly sets it apart is the vast ecosystem of Python packages. It makes Python the go-to language for countless applications.

 

Learn the top 6 Popular Python libraries for Data Science

While its clean syntax and dynamic nature allow developers to bring their ideas to life with ease, the true magic it offers is in the form of Python packages. It is similar to having a toolbox filled with pre-built solutions for all of your problems.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 15 Python packages that every developer should know about. So, buckle up and enhance your Python journey with these incredible tools! However, before looking at the list, let’s understand what Python packages are.

 

 

What are Python Packages?

Top 15 Python Packages You Must Explore

Let’s navigate through a list of some of the top Python packages that you should consider adding to your toolbox. For 2025, here are some essential Python packages to know across different domains, reflecting the evolving trends in data science, machine learning, and general development:

Core Libraries for Data Analysis

1. NumPy

Numerical Python, or NumPy, is a fundamental package for scientific computing in Python, providing support for large, multi-dimensional arrays and matrices. It is a core library widely used in data analysis, scientific computing, and machine learning.

NumPy introduces the ndarray object for efficient storage and manipulation of large datasets, outperforming Python’s built-in lists in numerical operations. It also offers a comprehensive suite of mathematical functions, including arithmetic operations, statistical functions, and linear algebra operations for complex numerical computations.

NumPy’s key features include broadcasting for arithmetic operations on arrays of different shapes. It can also interface with C/C++ and Fortran, integrating high-performance code with Python and optimizing performance.

NumPy arrays are stored in contiguous memory blocks, ensuring efficient data access and manipulation. It also supports random number generation for simulations and statistical sampling. As the foundation for many other data analysis libraries like Pandas, SciPy, and Matplotlib, NumPy ensures seamless integration and enhances the capabilities of these libraries.

 

 

2. Pandas

Pandas is a widely-used open-source library in Python that provides powerful data structures and tools for data analysis. Built on top of NumPy, it simplifies data manipulation and analysis with its two primary data structures: Series and DataFrame.

A Series is a one-dimensional labeled array, while a DataFrame is a two-dimensional table-like structure with labeled axes. These structures allow for efficient data alignment, indexing, and manipulation, making it easy to clean, prepare, and transform data.

Pandas also excels in handling time series data, performing group by operations, and integrating with other libraries like NumPy and Matplotlib. The package is essential for tasks such as data wrangling, exploratory data analysis (EDA), statistical analysis, and data visualization.

It offers robust input and output tools to read and write data from various formats, including CSV, Excel, and SQL databases. This versatility makes it a go-to tool for data scientists and analysts across various fields, enabling them to efficiently organize, analyze, and visualize data trends and patterns.

 

Learn to use Pandas agent of time-series analysis

 

3. Dask

Dask is a robust Python library designed to enhance parallel computing and efficient data analysis. It extends the capabilities of popular libraries like NumPy and Pandas, allowing users to handle larger-than-memory datasets and perform complex computations with ease.

Dask’s key features include parallel and distributed computing, which utilizes multiple cores on a single machine or across a distributed cluster to speed up data processing tasks. It also offers scalable data structures, such as arrays and dataframes, that manage datasets too large to fit into memory, enabling out-of-core computation.

Dask integrates seamlessly with existing Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn, allowing users to scale their workflows with minimal code changes. Its dynamic task scheduler optimizes task execution based on available resources.

With an API that mirrors familiar libraries, Dask is easy to learn and use. It supports advanced analytics and machine learning workflows for training models on big data. Dask also offers interactive computing, enabling real-time exploration and manipulation of large datasets, making it ideal for data exploration and iterative analysis.

 

 

 

Visualization Tools

4. Matplotlib

Matplotlib is a plotting library for Python to create static, interactive, and animated visualizations. It is a foundational tool for data visualization in Python, enabling users to transform data into insightful graphs and charts.

It enables the creation of a wide range of plots, including line graphs, bar charts, histograms, scatter plots, and more. Its design is inspired by MATLAB, making it familiar to users, and it integrates seamlessly with other Python libraries like NumPy and Pandas, enhancing its utility in data analysis workflows.

 

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Key features of Matplotlib include its ability to produce high-quality, publication-ready figures in various formats such as PNG, PDF, and SVG. It also offers extensive customization options, allowing users to adjust plot elements like colors, labels, and line styles to suit their needs.

Matplotlib supports interactive plots, enabling users to zoom, pan, and update plots in real time. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating complex visualizations, such as subplots and 3D plots, and supports integration with graphical user interface (GUI) toolkits, making it a powerful tool for developing interactive applications.

 

Master the creation of a rule-based chatbot in Python

5. Seaborn

Seaborn is a Python data visualization library built on top of Matplotlib for aesthetically pleasing and informative statistical graphics. It provides a high-level interface for drawing attractive and informative statistical graphics. It simplifies the process of creating complex visualizations by offering built-in themes and color palettes.

The Python package is well-suited for visualizing data frames and arrays, integrating seamlessly with Pandas to handle data efficiently. Its key features include the ability to create a variety of plot types, such as heatmaps, violin plots, and pair plots, which are useful for exploring relationships in data.

Seaborn also supports complex visualizations like multi-plot grids, allowing users to create intricate layouts with minimal code. Its integration with Matplotlib ensures that users can customize plots extensively, combining the simplicity of Seaborn with the flexibility of Matplotlib to produce detailed and customized visualizations.

 

Also, read about Large Language Models and their Applications

 

6. Plotly

Plotly is a useful Python library for data analysis and presentation through interactive and dynamic visualizations. It allows users to create interactive plots that can be embedded in web applications, shared online, or used in Jupyter notebooks.

It supports diverse chart types, including line plots, scatter plots, bar charts, and more complex visualizations like 3D plots and geographic maps. Plotly’s interactivity enables users to hover over data points to see details, zoom in and out, and even update plots in real time, enhancing the user experience and making data exploration more intuitive.

 

Build a Recommendation System using Python easily

It enables users to produce high-quality, publication-ready graphics with minimal code with a user-friendly interface. It also integrates well with other Python libraries such as Pandas and NumPy.

Plotly also supports a wide array of customization options, enabling users to tailor the appearance of their plots to meet specific needs. Its integration with Dash, a web application framework, allows users to build interactive web applications with ease, making it a versatile tool for both data visualization and application development.

 

 

Machine Learning and Deep Learning

7. Scikit-learn

Scikit-learn is a Python library for machine learning with simple and efficient tools for data mining and analysis. Built on top of NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib, it provides a robust framework for implementing a wide range of machine-learning algorithms.

It is known for ease of use and clean API, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced practitioners. It supports various supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, including classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality reduction, allowing users to tackle diverse ML tasks.

 

Understand Machine Learning using Python in Cloud

 

Its comprehensive suite of tools for model selection, evaluation, and validation, such as cross-validation and grid search helps in optimizing model performance. It also offers utilities for data preprocessing, feature extraction, and transformation, ensuring that data is ready for analysis.

While Scikit-learn is primarily focused on traditional ML techniques, it can be integrated with deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch for more advanced applications. This makes Scikit-learn a versatile tool in the ML ecosystem, suitable for a range of projects from academic research to industry applications.

8. TensorFlow

TensorFlow is an open-source software library developed by Google dataflow and differentiable programming across various tasks. It is designed to be highly scalable, allowing it to run efficiently on multiple CPUs and GPUs, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale machine learning tasks.

It supports a wide array of neural network architectures and offers high-level APIs, such as Keras, to simplify the process of building and training models. This flexibility and robust performance make TensorFlow a popular choice for both academic research and industrial applications.

One of the key strengths of TensorFlow is its ability to handle complex computations and its support for distributed computing. It also provides tools for deploying models on various platforms, including mobile and edge devices, through TensorFlow Lite.

Moreover, TensorFlow’s community and extensive documentation offer valuable resources for developers and researchers, fostering innovation and collaboration. Its versatility and comprehensive features make TensorFlow an essential tool in the machine learning and deep learning landscape.

9. PyTorch

PyTorch is an open-source library developed by Facebook’s AI Research lab. It is known for dynamic computation graphs that allow developers to modify the network architecture, making it highly flexible for experimentation. This feature is especially beneficial for researchers who need to test new ideas and algorithms quickly.

It integrates seamlessly with Python for a natural and easy-to-use interface that appeals to developers familiar with the language. PyTorch also offers robust support for distributed training, enabling the efficient training of large models across multiple GPUs.

Through frameworks like TorchScript, it enables users to deploy models on various platforms like mobile devices. Its strong community support and extensive documentation make it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.

 

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Natural Language Processing (NLP)

10. NLTK

11. SpaCy

Web Scraping

12. BeautifulSoup

BeautifulSoup is a Python library designed for web scraping purposes, allowing developers to extract data from HTML and XML files with ease. It provides simple methods to navigate, search, and modify the parse tree, making it an excellent tool for handling web page data.

It is useful for parsing poorly-formed or complex HTML documents, as it automatically converts incoming documents to Unicode and outgoing documents to UTF-8. This flexibility ensures that developers can work with a wide range of web content without worrying about encoding issues.

BeautifulSoup integrates seamlessly with other Python libraries like requests, which are used to fetch web pages. This combination allows developers to efficiently scrape and process web data in a streamlined workflow.

The library’s syntax and comprehensive documentation make it accessible to both beginners and experienced programmers. Its ability to handle various parsing tasks, such as extracting specific tags, attributes, or text, makes it a versatile tool for projects ranging from data mining to web data analysis.

Bonus Additions to the List!

13. SQLAlchemy

 

Learn how to evaluate time series in Python model predictions

 

14. OpenCV

OpenCV, short for Open Source Computer Vision Library, is a Python package for computer vision and image processing tasks. Originally developed by Intel, it was later supported by Willow Garage and is now maintained by Itseez. OpenCV is available for C++, Python, and Java.

It enables developers to perform operations on images and videos, such as filtering, transformation, and feature detection.

It supports a variety of image formats and is capable of handling real-time video capture and processing, making it an essential tool for applications in robotics, surveillance, and augmented reality. Its extensive functionality allows developers to implement complex algorithms for tasks like object detection, facial recognition, and motion tracking.

OpenCV also integrates well with other libraries and frameworks, such as NumPy, enhancing its performance and flexibility. This allows for efficient manipulation of image data using array operations.

Moreover, its open-source nature and active community support ensure continuous updates and improvements, making it a reliable choice for both academic research and industrial applications.

15. urllib

Urllib is a module in the standard Python library that provides a set of simple, high-level functions for working with URLs and web protocols. It allows users to open and read URLs, download data from the web, and interact with web services.

It supports various protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP, enabling seamless communication with web servers. The library is particularly useful for tasks such as web scraping, data retrieval, and interacting with RESTful APIs.

The urllib package is divided into several modules, each serving a specific purpose. For instance:

• urllib.request is used for opening and reading URLs
• urllib.parse provides functions for parsing and manipulating URL strings
• urllib.error handles exceptions related to URL operations
• urllib.robotparser helps in parsing robots.txt files to determine if a web crawler can access a particular site

With its comprehensive functionality and ease of use, urllib is a valuable tool for developers looking to perform network-related tasks in Python, whether for simple data fetching or more complex web interactions.

 

Explore the top 6 Python libraries for data science

 

What is the Standard vs Third-Party Packages Debate?

In the Python ecosystem, packages are categorized into two main types: standard and third-party. Each serves a unique purpose and offers distinct advantages to developers. Before we dig deeper into the debate, let’s understand what is meant by these two types of packages.

What are Standard Packages?

These are the packages found in Python’s standard library and maintained by the Python Software Foundation. These are also included with every Python installation, providing essential functionalities like file I/O, system calls, and data manipulation. These are reliable, well-documented, and ensure compatibility across different versions.

What are Third-Party Packages?

These refer to packages developed by the Python community and are not a part of the standard library. They are often available through package managers like pip or repositories like Python Package Index (PyPI). These packages cover a wide range of functionalities.

Key Points of the Debate

While we understand the main difference between standard and third-party packages, their comparison can be analyzed from three main aspects.

It is crucial to understand these differences as you choose a package for your project. As for the choice you make, it often depends on the project’s requirements, but in many cases, a combination of both is used to access the full potential of Python.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, these Python packages are some of the most popular and widely used libraries in the Python data science ecosystem. They provide powerful and flexible tools for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, and are essential for aspiring and practicing data scientists.

With the help of these Python packages, data scientists can easily perform complex data analysis and machine learning tasks, and create beautiful and informative visualizations.

 

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If you want to learn more about data science and how to use these Python packages, we recommend checking out Data Science Dojo’s Python for Data Science course, which provides a comprehensive introduction to Python and its data science ecosystem.

 

The job market for data scientists is booming. In fact, the demand for data experts is expected to grow by 36% between 2021 and 2031, significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This is great news for anyone who is interested in a career in data science.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data science is estimated to be 36% between 2021–31, significantly higher than the average for all occupations, which is 5%. This makes it an opportune time to pursue a career in data science.

In this blog, we will explore the 10 best data science bootcamps you can choose from as you kickstart your journey in data analytics.

 

 

What are Data Science Bootcamps? 

Data science boot camps are intensive, short-term programs that teach students the skills they need to become data scientists. These programs typically cover topics such as data wrangling, statistical inference, machine learning, and Python programming. 

• Short-term: Bootcamps typically last for 3-6 months, which is much shorter than traditional college degrees. 
• Flexible: Bootcamps can be completed online or in person, and they often offer part-time and full-time options. 
• Practical experience: Bootcamps typically include a capstone project, which gives students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned. 
• Industry-focused: Bootcamps are taught by industry experts, and they often have partnerships with companies that are hiring data scientists. 

10 Best Data Science Bootcamps

Without further ado, here is our selection of the most reputable data science boot camps.  

1. Data Science Dojo Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online and In-person
• Tuition: $2,659 to $4,500
• Duration: 16 weeks

Data Science Dojo Bootcamp is an excellent choice for aspiring data scientists. With 1:1 mentorship and live instructor-led sessions, it offers a supportive learning environment. The program is beginner-friendly, requiring no prior experience.

Easy installments with 0% interest options make it the top affordable choice. Rated as an impressive 4.96, Data Science Dojo Bootcamp stands out among its peers. Students learn key data science topics, work on real-world projects, and connect with potential employers.

Moreover, it prioritizes a business-first approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on projects. With a team of instructors who possess extensive industry experience, students have the opportunity to receive personalized support during dedicated office hours.

2. Springboard Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $14,950
• Duration: 12 months long

Springboard’s Data Science Bootcamp is a great option for students who want to learn data science skills and land a job in the field. The program is offered online, so students can learn at their own pace and from anywhere in the world.

The tuition is high, but Springboard offers a job guarantee, which means that if you don’t land a job in data science within six months of completing the program, you’ll get your money back.

3. Flatiron School Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online or On-campus (currently online only)
• Tuition: $15,950 (full-time) or $19,950 (flexible)
• Duration: 15 weeks long

Next on the list, we have Flatiron School’s Data Science Bootcamp. The program is 15 weeks long for the full-time program and can take anywhere from 20 to 60 weeks to complete for the flexible program. Students have access to a variety of resources, including online forums, a community, and one-on-one mentorship.

4. Coding Dojo Data Science Bootcamp Online Part-Time

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $11,745 to $13,745
• Duration: 16 to 20 weeks

Coding Dojo’s online bootcamp is open to students with any background and does not require a four-year degree or Python programming experience. Students can choose to focus on either data science and machine learning in Python or data science and visualization.

It offers flexible learning options, real-world projects, and a strong alumni network. However, it does not guarantee a job, requires some prior knowledge, and is time-consuming.

5. CodingNomads Data Science and Machine Learning Course

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: Membership: $9/month, Premium Membership: $29/month, Mentorship: $899/month
• Duration: Self-paced

CodingNomads offers a data science and machine learning course that is affordable, flexible, and comprehensive. The course is available in three different formats: membership, premium membership, and mentorship. The membership format is self-paced and allows students to work through the modules at their own pace.

The premium membership format includes access to live Q&A sessions. The mentorship format includes one-on-one instruction from an experienced data scientist. CodingNomads also offers scholarships to local residents and military students.

6. Udacity School of Data Science

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $399/month
• Duration: Depends on the program

Udacity offers multiple data science bootcamps, including data science for business leaders, data project managers, and more. It offers frequent start dates throughout the year for its data science programs. These programs are self-paced and involve real-world projects and technical mentor support.

Students can also receive LinkedIn profiles and GitHub portfolio reviews from Udacity’s career services. However, it is important to note that there is no job guarantee, so students should be prepared to put in the work to find a job after completing the program.

7. LearningFuze Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online and in-person
• Tuition: $5,995 per module
• Duration: Multiple formats

LearningFuze offers a data science boot camp through a strategic partnership with Concordia University Irvine.

Offering students the choice of live online or in-person instruction, the program gives students ample opportunities to interact one-on-one with their instructors. LearningFuze also offers partial tuition refunds to students who are unable to find a job within six months of graduation.

The program’s curriculum includes modules in machine learning and deep learning and artificial intelligence. However, it is essential to note that there are no scholarships available, and the program does not accept the GI Bill.

8. Thinkful Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $16,950
• Duration: 6 months

Thinkful offers a data science boot camp which is best known for its mentorship program. It caters to both part-time and full-time students. Part-time offers flexibility with 20-30 hours per week, taking 6 months to finish. Full-time is accelerated at 50 hours per week, completing in 5 months.

Payment plans, tuition refunds, and scholarships are available for all students. The program has no prerequisites, so both fresh graduates and experienced professionals can take this program.

9. Brain Station Data Science Course Online

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $9,500 (part time); $16,000 (full time)
• Duration: 10 weeks

BrainStation offers an immersive and hands-on data science boot camp that is both comprehensive and affordable. Industry experts teach the program and includes real-world projects and assignments. BrainStation has a strong job placement rate, with over 90% of graduates finding jobs within six months of completing the program.

However, the program is expensive and can be demanding. Students should carefully consider their financial situation and time commitment before enrolling in the program.

10. BloomTech Data Science Bootcamp

• Delivery Format: Online
• Tuition: $19,950
• Duration: 6 months

BloomTech offers a data science bootcamp that covers a wide range of topics, including statistics, predictive modeling, data engineering, machine learning, and Python programming. BloomTech also offers a 4-week fellowship at a real company, which gives students the opportunity to gain work experience.

BloomTech has a strong job placement rate, with over 90% of graduates finding jobs within six months of completing the program. The program is expensive and requires a significant time commitment, but it is also very rewarding.

 

Here’s a guide to choosing the best data science bootcamp

 

What to expect in the best data science bootcamps?

A data science bootcamp is a short-term, intensive program that teaches you the fundamentals of data science. While the curriculum may be comprehensive, it cannot cover the entire field of data science.

Therefore, it is important to have realistic expectations about what you can learn in a bootcamp. Here are some of the things you can expect to learn in a data science bootcamp:

• Data science concepts: This includes topics such as statistics, machine learning, and data visualization.
• Hands-on projects: You will have the opportunity to work on real-world data science projects. This will give you the chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom.
• A portfolio: You will build a portfolio of your work, which you can use to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
• Mentorship: You will have access to mentors who can help you with your studies and career development.
• Career services: Bootcamps typically offer career services, such as resume writing assistance and interview preparation.

Wrapping up

All and all, data science bootcamps can be a great way to learn the fundamentals of data science and gain the skills you need to launch a career in this field. If you are considering a boot camp, be sure to do your research and choose a program that is right for you.

Postman is a popular collaboration platform for API development used by developers all over the world. It is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of testing, documenting, and sharing APIs.

Postman provides a user-friendly interface that enables developers to interact with RESTful APIs and streamline their API development workflow. In this blog post, we will discuss the different HTTP methods, and how they can be used with Postman.

HTTP Methods

HTTP methods are used to specify the type of action that needs to be performed on a resource. There are several HTTP methods available, including GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and PATCH. Each method has a specific purpose and is used in different scenarios:

• GET is used to retrieve data from an API.
• POST is used to create new data in an API.
• PUT is used to update existing data in an API.
• DELETE is used to delete data from an API.
• PATCH is used to partially update existing data in an API.

1. GET Method

The GET method is used to retrieve information from the server. It is the most used HTTP method and is used to retrieve data from a server.   

In Postman, you can use the GET method to retrieve data from an API endpoint. To use the GET method, you need to specify the URL in the request bar and click on the Send button. Here are step-by-step instructions for making requests using GET: 

 In this tutorial, we are using the following URL:

Step 1:  

Create a new request by clicking + in the workbench to open a new tab.  

Step 2: 

Enter the URL of the API that we want to test. 

Step 3: 

Select the “GET” method. 

Click the “Send” button. 

2. POST Method

The POST method is used to send data to the server. It is commonly used to create new resources on the server. In Postman, you can use the POST method to send data to the server. To use the POST method, you need to specify the URL in the request. Here are step-by-step instructions for making requests using POST

1. Create a new request.
2. Enter the URL of the API that you want to test.
3. Select the “POST” method.
4. Add any additional headers or parameters to the request.
5. Click the “Send” button.

3. PUT Method

PUT is used to update existing data in an API. In Postman, you can use the PUT method to update existing data in an API by selecting the “PUT” method from the drop-down menu next to the “Method” field.

You can also add data to the request body by clicking the “Body” tab and selecting the “raw” radio button. Here are step-by-step instructions for making requests using PUT

1. Create a new request.
2. Enter the URL of the API that you want to test.
3. Select the “PUT” method.
4. Add any additional headers or parameters to the request.
5. Click the “Send” button.

4. DELETE Method

DELETE is used to delete existing data in an API. In Postman, you can use the DELETE method to delete existing data in an API by selecting the “DELETE” method from the drop-down menu next to the “Method” field. Here are step-by-step instructions for making requests using DELETE

1. Create a new request.
2. Enter the URL of the API that you want to test.
3. Select the “DELETE” method.
4. Add any additional headers or parameters to the request.
5. Click the “Send” button.

5. PATCH Method

PATCH is used to partially update existing data in an API. In Postman, you can use the PATCH method to partially update existing data in an API by selecting the “PATCH” method from the drop-down menu next to the “Method” field.

You can also add data to the request body by clicking the “Body” tab and selecting the “raw” radio button. Here are step-by-step instructions for making requests using PATCH:

1. Create a new request.
2. Enter the URL of the API that you want to test.
3. Select the “PATCH” method.
4. Add any additional headers or parameters to the request.
5. Click the “Send” button.

Why Postman and Python are useful together

With the Postman Python library, developers can create and send requests, manage collections and environments, and run tests. The library also provides a command-line interface (CLI) for interacting with Postman APIs from the terminal. 

How does Postman work with REST APIs? 

• Creating Requests: Developers can use Postman to create HTTP requests for REST APIs. They can specify the request method, API endpoint, headers, and data. 
• Sending Requests: Once the request is created, developers can send it to the API server. Postman provides tools for sending requests, such as the “Send” button, keyboard shortcuts, and history tracking. 
• Testing Responses: Postman receives responses from the API server and displays them in the tool’s interface. Developers can test the response status, headers, and body. 
• Debugging: Postman provides tools for debugging REST APIs, such as console logs and response time tracking. Developers can easily identify and fix issues with their APIs. 
• Automation: Postman allows developers to automate testing, documentation, and other tasks related to REST APIs. Developers can write test scripts using JavaScript and run them using Postman’s test runner. 
• Collaboration: Postman allows developers to share API collections with team members, collaborate on API development, and manage API documentation. Developers can also use Postman’s version control system to manage changes to their APIs.

Wrapping up

In summary, Postman is a powerful tool for working with REST APIs. It provides a user-friendly interface for creating, testing, and documenting REST APIs, as well as tools for debugging and automation. Developers can use Postman to collaborate with team members and manage API collections or developers working with APIs. 

 

Written by Nimrah Sohail

If you’re interested in investing in the stock market, you know how important it is to have access to accurate and up-to-date market data. This data can help you make informed decisions about which stocks to buy or sell, when to do so, and at what price. However, retrieving and analyzing this data can be a complex and time-consuming process. That’s where Python comes in.

Python is a powerful programming language that offers a wide range of tools and libraries for retrieving, analyzing, and visualizing stock market data. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use Python to retrieve fundamental stock market data, such as earnings reports, financial statements, and other key metrics. We’ll also demonstrate how you can use this data to inform your investment strategies and make more informed decisions in the market.

So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, read on to learn how Python can help you gain a competitive edge in the stock market.

How to retrieve fundamental stock market data using Python?

Python can be used to retrieve a company’s financial statements and earnings reports by accessing fundamental data of the stock.  Here are some methods to achieve this: 

1. Using the yfinance library:

One can easily get, read, and interpret financial data using Python by using the yfinance library along with the Pandas library. With this, a user can extract various financial data, including the company’s balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Additionally, yfinance can be used to collect historical stock data for a specific time period. 

2. Using Alpha Vantage:

Alpha Vantage offers a free API for enterprise-grade financial market data, including company financial statements and earnings reports. A user can extract financial data using Python by accessing the Alpha Vantage API. 

3. Using the get_quote_table method:

The get_quote_table method can be used to extract the data found on the summary page of a stock. This method extracts financial data from the summary page of stock and returns it in the form of a dictionary. From this dictionary, a user can extract the P/E ratio of a company, which is an important financial metric. Additionally, the get_stats_valuation method can be used to extract the P/E ratio of a company.

Python libraries for stock data retrieval: Fundamental and price data

Python has numerous libraries that enable us to access fundamental and price data for stocks. To retrieve fundamental data such as a company’s financial statements and earnings reports, we can use APIs or web scraping techniques.  

On the other hand, to get price data, we can utilize APIs or packages that provide direct access to financial databases. Here are some resources that can help you get started with retrieving both types of data using Python for data science: 

Retrieving fundamental data using API calls in Python is a straightforward process. An API or Application Programming Interface is a server that allows users to retrieve and send data to it using code.  

When requesting data from an API, we need to make a request, which is most commonly done using the GET method. The two most common HTTP request methods for API calls are GET and POST. 

After establishing a healthy connection with the API, the next step is to pull the data from the API. This can be done using the requests.get() method to pull the data from the mentioned API. Once we have the data, we can parse it into a JSON format. 

Top Python libraries like pandas and alpha_vantage can be used to retrieve fundamental data. For example, with alpha_vantage, the fundamental data of almost any stock can be easily retrieved using the Financial Data API. The formatting process can be coded and applied to the dataset to be used in future data science projects. 

Obtaining essential stock market information through APIs

There are various financial data APIs available that can be used to retrieve fundamental data of a stock. Some popular APIs are eodhistoricaldata.com, Nasdaq Data Link APIs, and Morningstar. 

• Eodhistoricaldata.com, also known as EOD HD, is a website that provides more than just fundamental data and is free to sign up for. It can be used to retrieve fundamental data of a stock.  
• Nasdaq Data Link APIs can be used to retrieve historical time-series of a stock’s price in CSV format. It offers a simple call to retrieve the data. 
• Morningstar can also be used to retrieve fundamental data of a stock. One can search for a stock on the website and click on the first result to access the stock’s page and retrieve its data. 
• Another source for fundamental financial company data is a free source created by a friend. All of the data is easily available from the website, and they offer API access to global stock data (quotes and fundamentals). The documentation for the API access can be found on their website. 

Once you have established a connection to an API, you can pull the fundamental data of a stock using requests. The fundamental data can then be parsed into JSON format using Python libraries such as pandas and alpha_vantage. 

Conclusion 

In summary, retrieving fundamental data using API calls in Python is a simple process that involves establishing a healthy connection with the API, pulling the data from the API using requests.get(), and parsing it into a JSON format. Python libraries like pandas and alpha_vantage can be used to retrieve fundamental data. 

 

 

Here’s an interesting read about Top 10 SQL commands

 

Let’s dive into some of the key SQL concepts that are important to learn for a data scientist.  

1. Formatting Strings

Cleaning raw data is essential for accurate analysis and improved decision-making. String functions provide powerful tools to manipulate and standardize text, ensuring consistency across datasets.

The CONCAT function merges multiple strings into a single value, making it useful for formatting names, addresses, or reports. Handling missing values efficiently, COALESCE replaces NULL entries with predefined defaults, preventing data gaps and ensuring completeness. Leveraging these functions enhances readability, maintains data integrity, and boosts overall productivity.

2. Stored Methods

Stored procedures are precompiled collections of SQL statements that can be executed as a single unit, improving performance, reusability, and maintainability.

They optimize performance by reducing execution time, as they are stored and compiled in the database, minimizing network traffic. Reusability ensures that complex queries don’t need to be rewritten, and any updates to the procedure apply universally. Security is enhanced by allowing controlled access to data while reducing injection risks. Stored procedures also encapsulate business logic, making database operations more structured and manageable.

Modifications can be made using ALTER PROCEDURE, and procedures can be removed with DROP PROCEDURE. Overall, stored procedures streamline database operations by reducing redundancy, improving efficiency, and centralizing logic, making them essential for scalable database management.

 

 

3. Joins

Joins in SQL allow you to combine data from multiple tables based on defined relationships, making data retrieval more efficient and meaningful. An INNER JOIN returns only the matching records from both tables, functioning like the intersection of two sets. This ensures that only relevant data common to both tables is retrieved.

A LEFT JOIN returns all records from the left table and only matching records from the right table. If no match exists, the result still includes records from the left table with NULL values for missing data from the right table. Conversely, a RIGHT JOIN includes all records from the right table and only matching records from the left table, filling unmatched left-side records with NULL values.

Understanding these joins is crucial for accurate data extraction, preventing unnecessary clutter while ensuring that the right relationships between tables are utilized.

 

 

4. Subqueries

A subquery is a query within another query, allowing for structured data filtering and processing. It is especially useful when working with multiple tables or when intermediate computations are needed before executing the main query. Subqueries help break down complex queries into manageable steps, improving readability and efficiency.

When a subquery returns a single value, it can be used directly in conditions like comparisons. However, if a subquery returns multiple rows, multi-line operators like IN or EXISTS are required to handle the results properly. These operators ensure that the main query processes multiple values correctly without errors. Understanding subqueries enhances query flexibility, enabling more dynamic and precise data retrieval.

5. Normalization

Normalization is a fundamental SQL concept because it directly impacts database design and query performance. SQL databases use normalization techniques to structure tables efficiently, reducing redundancy and improving data integrity. When designing a relational database, SQL statements like CREATE TABLE, FOREIGN KEY, and JOIN work based on the principles of normalization.

For example, when you normalize a database, you often break large, redundant tables into smaller ones and use foreign keys to maintain relationships. This affects how SQL queries are written, especially in SELECT, INSERT, and UPDATE operations.

Well-normalized databases lead to optimized JOIN performance and prevent anomalies that could corrupt data integrity. Thus, normalization is not just a theoretical concept but a practical SQL design strategy essential for creating efficient and scalable databases.

 

Another interesting read: SQL vs NoSQL

 

6. Manipulating Dates and Times

Manipulating Dates and Times in SQL is essential for organizing and analyzing time-based data efficiently. SQL provides various functions to extract, calculate, and modify date values based on specific requirements.

The EXTRACT function allows you to pull specific components such as year, month, or day from a date, making it easier to categorize and filter data. The DATEDIFF function calculates the difference between two dates, which is useful for measuring durations like age, time between events, or project deadlines.

Additionally, DATE_ADD and DATE_SUB allow you to shift dates forward or backward by a specified number of days, months, or years, making it easy to adjust time-based data dynamically.

These date functions help in organizing data chronologically, facilitating trend analysis, and ensuring accurate time-based reporting.

7. Transactions

A transaction in SQL is a sequence of operations executed as a single unit of work to ensure data integrity and consistency. Transactions follow the ACID properties: Atomicity (all operations complete or none at all), Consistency (data remains valid before and after the transaction), Isolation (concurrent transactions do not interfere with each other), and Durability (changes are permanently saved once committed).

Key commands include BEGIN TRANSACTION to start a transaction, COMMIT to save changes, and ROLLBACK to undo changes if an error occurs. Transactions are essential in scenarios like banking, where money must be deducted from one account and added to another—if one step fails, the entire transaction is rolled back to prevent data inconsistencies.

 

 

8. Connecting SQL to Python or R

SQL is powerful for managing and querying databases, but integrating it with Python or R unlocks advanced data analysis, machine learning, and visualization capabilities. By using libraries like pandas and sqlite3 in Python or dplyr and DBI in R, you can seamlessly extract, manipulate, and analyze SQL data within a coding environment.

Python’s pandas allows direct SQL queries with functions like read_sql(), making it easy to transform data for machine learning models. Similarly, R’s dplyr simplifies SQL queries while offering extensive statistical and visualization tools. Mastering SQL integration with these languages enhances workflow efficiency and is essential for data science, automation, and business intelligence applications.

 

You might also like: SnowSQL

 

9. Features of Window Functions

10. Indexing for Performance Optimization

Indexes enhance query performance by enabling faster data retrieval. Instead of scanning entire tables, an index helps locate specific rows more efficiently, reducing execution time for searches and lookups.

Applying indexes to frequently queried columns can significantly speed up operations, especially in large datasets. However, excessive indexing can negatively impact performance by slowing down insertions, updates, and deletions, as each modification requires updating the associated indexes. Striking a balance between fast retrieval and efficient data manipulation is essential for optimal performance.

11. Predicates

12. Query Syntax

 

Here’s a list of Techniques for Data Scientists to Upskill with LLMs

 

SQL for Data Scientists – A Must-Have Skill

Mastering SQL for data scientists is essential for efficiently querying, managing, and analyzing structured data. From understanding basic syntax to optimizing complex queries and handling database relationships, SQL plays a crucial role in extracting meaningful insights. By honing these skills, data scientists can work more effectively with large datasets, improve decision-making, and enhance their overall analytical capabilities.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your expertise, a strong foundation in SQL will always be a valuable asset in the world of data science.

 

Python has become the backbone of data science, offering powerful tools for data analysis, visualization, and machine learning. If you want to harness the power of Python to kickstart your data science journey, Data Science Dojo’s “Introduction to Python for Data Science” course is the perfect starting point.

This course equips you with essential Python skills, enabling you to manipulate data, build insightful visualizations, and apply machine learning techniques. In this blog, we’ll explore how this course can help you unlock the full power of Python and elevate your data science expertise.

 

 

Why Learn Python for Data Science?

Python has become the go-to language for data science, thanks to its simplicity, flexibility, and vast ecosystem of open-source libraries. The power of Python for data science lies in its ability to handle data analysis, visualization, and machine learning with ease.

Its easy-to-learn syntax makes it accessible to beginners, while its powerful tools cater to advanced data scientists. With a large community of developers constantly improving its capabilities, Python continues to dominate the data science landscape.

One of Python’s biggest advantages is that it is an interpreted language, meaning you can write and execute code instantly—no need for a compiler. This speeds up experimentation and makes debugging more efficient.

Applications Showcasing the Power of Python for Data Science

1. Data Analysis Made Easy

Python simplifies data analysis by providing libraries like pandas and NumPy, which allow users to clean, manipulate, and process data efficiently. Whether you’re working with databases, CSV files, or APIs, the power of Python for data science enables you to extract insights from raw data effortlessly.

2. Stunning Data Visualizations

Data visualization is essential for making sense of complex datasets, and Python offers several powerful libraries for this purpose. Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly help create interactive and visually appealing charts, graphs, and dashboards, reinforcing the power of Python for data science in storytelling.

3. Powering Machine Learning

Python is a top choice for machine learning, with libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch making it easy to build and train predictive models. Whether it’s image recognition, recommendation systems, or natural language processing, the power of Python for data science makes AI-driven solutions accessible.

4. Web Scraping for Data Collection

Need to gather data from websites? Python makes web scraping simple with libraries like BeautifulSoup, Scrapy, and Selenium. Businesses and researchers leverage the power of Python for data science to extract valuable information from the web for market analysis, sentiment tracking, and competitive research.

 

 

Why Choose Data Science Dojo for Learning Python?

With so many Python courses available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Data Science Dojo’s “Introduction to Python for Data Science” stands out as a top choice for both beginners and professionals looking to build a strong foundation in Python for data science. Here’s why this course is worth your time and investment:

1. Hands-On, Instructor-Led Training

Unlike self-paced courses that leave you figuring things out on your own, this course offers live, instructor-led training that ensures you get real-time guidance and support. With expert instructors, you’ll learn best practices and gain industry insights that go beyond just coding.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum Covering Essential Data Science Skills

The course is designed to take you from Python basics to real-world data science applications. You’ll learn:
✔ Python fundamentals – syntax, variables, data structures
✔ Data wrangling – cleaning and preparing data for analysis
✔ Data visualization – using Matplotlib and Seaborn for insights
✔ Machine learning – an introduction to predictive modeling

3. Practical Learning with Real-World Examples

Theory alone isn’t enough to master Python for data science. This course provides hands-on exercises, coding demos, and real-world datasets to ensure you can apply what you learn in actual projects.

4. 12 + Months of Learning Platform Access

Even after the live sessions end, you won’t be left behind. The course grants you more than twelve months of access to its learning platform, allowing you to revisit materials, practice coding, and solidify your understanding at your own pace.

5. Earn CEUs and Boost Your Career

Upon completing the course, you receive over 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), an excellent addition to your professional credentials. Whether you’re looking to transition into data science or enhance your current role, this certification can give you an edge in the job market.

 

 

 

Python for Data Science Course Outline

Data Science Dojo’s “Introduction to Python for Data Science” course provides a structured, hands-on approach to learning Python, covering everything from data handling to machine learning. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Data Loading, Storage, and File Formats

Understanding how to work with data is the first step in any data science project. You’ll learn how to load structured and unstructured data from various file formats, including CSV, JSON, and databases, making data easily accessible for analysis.

2. Data Wrangling: Cleaning, Transforming, Merging, and Reshaping

Raw data is rarely perfect. This module teaches you how to clean, reshape, and merge datasets, ensuring your data is structured and ready for analysis. You’ll master data transformation techniques using Python libraries like pandas and NumPy.

3. Data Exploration and Visualization

Data visualization helps in uncovering trends and insights. You’ll explore techniques for analyzing and visualizing data using popular Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn, turning raw numbers into meaningful graphs and reports.

4. Data Pipelines and Data Engineering

Data engineering is crucial for handling large-scale data. This module covers:
✔ RESTful architecture & HTTP protocols for API-based data retrieval
✔ The ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) process for data pipelines
✔ Web scraping to extract real-world data from websites

5. Machine Learning in Python

Learn the fundamentals of machine learning with scikit-learn, including:
✔ Building and evaluating models
✔ Hyperparameter tuning for improved performance
✔ Working with different estimators for predictive modeling

6. Python Project – Apply Your Skills

The course concludes with a hands-on Python project where you apply everything you’ve learned. With instructor guidance, you’ll work on a real-world project, helping you build confidence and gain practical experience.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do I have access to the program content?
  Access to the course content depends on the plan you choose at registration. Each plan offers different durations and levels of access, so be sure to check the plan details to find the one that best fits your needs.
• What is the duration of the program?
  The Introduction to Python for Data Science program spans 5 days with 3 hours of live instruction each day, totaling 15 hours of training. There’s also additional practice available if you want to continue refining your Python skills after the live sessions.
• Are there any prerequisites for this program?
  No prior experience is required. However, our pre-course preparation includes tutorials on fundamental data science concepts and Python programming to help you get ready for the training.
• Are classes taught live or are they self-paced?
  Classes are live and instructor-led. In addition to the interactive sessions, you’ll have access to office hours for additional support. While the program isn’t self-paced, homework assignments and practical exercises are provided to reinforce your learning, and lectures are recorded for later review.
• What is the cost of the program?
  The program cost varies based on the plan you select and any discounts available at the time. For the most up-to-date pricing and information on payment plans, please contact us at [email protected]
• What if I have questions during the live sessions or while working on homework?
  Our sessions are highly interactive—students are encouraged to ask questions during class. Instructors provide thorough responses, and a dedicated Discord community is available to help you with any questions during homework or outside of class hours.
• What different plans are available?
  We offer three plans:

  • Dojo: Includes 15 hours of live training, pre-training materials, course content, and restricted access to Jupyter notebooks.

  • Guru: Includes everything in the Dojo plan plus bonus Jupyter notebooks, full access to the learning platform during the program, a collaboration forum, recorded sessions, and a verified certificate from the University of New Mexico worth 2 Continuing Education Credits.

  • Sensei: Includes everything in the Guru plan, along with one year of access to the learning platform, Jupyter notebooks, collaboration forums, recorded sessions, office hours, and live support throughout the program.

• Are there any discounts available?
  Yes, we are offering an early-bird discount on all three plans. Check the course page for the latest discount details.
• How much time should I expect to spend on class and homework?
  Each class is 3 hours per day, and you should plan for an additional 1–2 hours of homework each night. Our instructors and teaching assistants are available during office hours from Monday to Thursday for extra help.
• How do I register for the program?
  To register, simply review the available packages on our website and sign up for the upcoming cohort. Payments can be made online, via invoice, or through a wire transfer.

Explore the Power of Python for Data Science

The power of Python for data science makes it the top choice for data professionals. Its simplicity, vast libraries, and versatility enable efficient data analysis, visualization, and machine learning.

Mastering Python can open doors to exciting opportunities in data-driven careers. A structured course, like the one from Data Science Dojo, ensures hands-on learning and real-world application.

Start your Python journey today and take your data science skills to the next level

 

This blog explores the difference between mutable and immutable objects in Python. 

Python is a powerful programming language with a wide range of applications in various industries. Understanding how to use mutable and immutable objects is essential for efficient and effective Python programming. In this guide, we will take a deep dive into mastering mutable and immutable objects in Python.

Mutable objects

In Python, an object is considered mutable if its value can be changed after it has been created. This means that any operation that modifies a mutable object will modify the original object itself. To put it simply, mutable objects are those that can be modified either in terms of state or contents after they have been created. The mutable objects that are present in python are lists, dictionaries and sets. 

 

 

 

Advantages of mutable objects 

• They can be modified in place, which can be more efficient than recreating an immutable object. 
• They can be used for more complex and dynamic data structures, like lists and dictionaries. 

Disadvantages of mutable objects 

• They can be modified by another thread, which can lead to race conditions and other concurrency issues. 
• They can’t be used as keys in a dictionary or elements in a set. 
• They can be more difficult to reason about and debug because their state can change unexpectedly.

Want to start your EDA journey? Well you can always get yourself registered at Python for Data Science.

While mutable objects are a powerful feature of Python, they can also be tricky to work with, especially when dealing with multiple references to the same object. By following best practices and being mindful of the potential pitfalls of using mutable objects, you can write more efficient and reliable Python code.

Immutable objects 

In Python, an object is considered immutable if its value cannot be changed after it has been created. This means that any operation that modifies an immutable object returns a new object with the modified value. In contrast to mutable objects, immutable objects are those whose state cannot be modified once they are created. Examples of immutable objects in Python include strings, tuples, and numbers.

 

 

 

Advantages of immutable objects 

• They are safer to use in a multi-threaded environment as they cannot be modified by another thread once created, thus reducing the risk of race conditions. 
• They can be used as keys in a dictionary because they are hashable and their hash value will not change. 
• They can be used as elements of a set because they are comparable, and their value will not change. 
• They are simpler to reason about and debug because their state cannot change unexpectedly. 

Disadvantages of immutable objects

• They need to be recreated if their value needs to be changed, which can be less efficient than modifying the state of a mutable object. 
• They take up more memory if they are used in large numbers, as new objects need to be created instead of modifying the state of existing objects. 

 

Python has become a popular programming language in the data science community due to its simplicity, flexibility, and wide range of libraries and tools. With its powerful data manipulation and analysis capabilities, Python has emerged as the language of choice for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and analysts.     

By learning Python, you can effectively clean and manipulate data, create visualizations, and build machine-learning models. It also has a strong community with a wealth of online resources and support, making it easier for beginners to learn and get started.   

This blog will navigate your path via a detailed roadmap along with a few useful resources that can help you get started with it.   

Step 1. Learn the basics of Python programming  

Before you start with data science, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of its programming concepts. Learn about basic syntax, data types, control structures, functions, and modules.  

Step 2. Familiarize yourself with essential data science libraries    

Once you have a good grasp of Python programming, start with essential data science libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. These libraries will help you with data manipulation, data analysis, and visualization.   

This blog lists some of the top Python libraries for data science that can help you get started.  

Step 3. Learn statistics and mathematics  

To analyze and interpret data correctly, it’s crucial to have a fundamental understanding of statistics and mathematics.   This short video tutorial can help you to get started with probability.   

Additionally, we have listed some useful statistics and mathematics books that can guide your way, do check them out!  

Step 4. Dive into machine learning  

Start with the basics of machine learning and work your way up to advanced topics. Learn about supervised and unsupervised learning, classification, regression, clustering, and more.   

This detailed machine-learning roadmap can get you started with this step.   

Step 5. Work on projects  

Apply your knowledge by working on real-world data science projects. This will help you gain practical experience and also build your portfolio. Here are some Python project ideas you must try out!  

Step 6. Keep up with the latest trends and developments 

Data science is a rapidly evolving field, and it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest developments. Join data science communities, read blogs, attend conferences and workshops, and continue learning.  

Our weekly and monthly data science newsletters can help you stay updated with the top trends in the industry and useful data science & AI resources, you can subscribe here.   

Additional resources    

1. Learn how to read and index time series data using Pandas package and how to build, predict or forecast an ARIMA time series model using Python’s statsmodels package with this free course. 
2. Explore this list of top packages and learn how to use them with this short blog. 
3. Check out our YouTube channel for Python & data science tutorials and crash courses, it can surely navigate your way.
   

By following these steps, you’ll have a solid foundation in Python programming and data science concepts, making it easier for you to pursue a career in data science or related fields.   

For an in-depth introduction do check out our Python for Data Science training, it can help you learn the programming language for data analysis, analytics, machine learning, and data engineering. 

Wrapping up

In conclusion, Python has become the go-to programming language in the data science community due to its simplicity, flexibility, and extensive range of libraries and tools.

Data science model deployment can sound intimidating if you have never had a chance to try it in a safe space. Do you want to make a rest API or a full frontend app? What does it take to do either of these? It’s not as hard as you might think. 

In this series, we’ll go through how you can take machine learning models and deploy them to a web app or a rest API (using saturn cloud) so that others can interact. In this app, we’ll let the user make some feature selections and then the model will predict an outcome for them. But using this same idea, you could easily do other things, such as letting the user retrain the model, upload things like images, or conduct other interactions with your model. 

Just to be interesting, we’re going to do this same project with two frameworks, voila and flask, so you can see how they both work and decide what’s right for your needs. In a flask, we’ll create a rest API and a web app version.
A

a
Our toolkit 

• saturn cloud (so you can deploy easily!) 
• flask 
• voila 
• plotly (python and js) 
• scikit-learn (for our model)
  A

Other helpful links 

• ipywidgets (helpful for voila) 
• codebook for the dataset 
• plotly.js cheat sheet 
• jinja (helpful for flask)
  A
  

The project – Deploying machine learning models

The first steps of our process are exactly the same, whether we are going for voila or flask. We need to get some data and build a model! I will take the us department of education’s college scorecard data, and build a quick linear regression model that accepts a few inputs and predicts a student’s likely earnings 2 years after graduation. (you can get this data yourself at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/) 

About measurements 

According to the data codebook: “the cohort of evaluated graduates for earnings metrics consists of those individuals who received federal financial aid, but excludes those who were subsequently enrolled in school during the measurement year, died before the end of the measurement year, received a higher-level credential than the credential level of the field of the study measured, or did not work during the measurement year.” 

Load data 

I already did some data cleaning and uploaded the features I wanted to a public bucket on s3, for easy access. This way, I can load it quickly when the app is run. 

Format for training 

Once we have the dataset, this is going to give us a handful of features and our outcome. We just need to split it between features and target with scikit-learn to be ready to model. (note that all of these functions will be run exactly as written in each of our apps.) 

 Our features are: 

• Region: geographic location of college 
• Locale: type of city or town the college is in 
• Control: type of college (public/private/for-profit) 
• Cipdesc_new: major field of study (cip code) 
• Creddesc: credential (bachelor, master, etc) 
• Adm_rate_all: admission rate 
• Sat_avg_all: average sat score for admitted students (proxy for college prestige) 
• Tuition: cost to attend the institution for one year 

Our target outcome is earn_mdn_hi_2yr: median earnings measured two years after completion of degree. 

Train model 

We are going to use scikit-learn’s pipeline to make our feature engineering as easy and quick as possible. We’re going to return a trained model as well as the r-squared value for the test sample, so we have a quick and straightforward measure of the model’s performance on the test set that we can return along with the model object. 

Now we have a model, and we’re ready to put together the app! All these functions will be run when the app runs, because it’s so fast that it doesn’t make sense to save out a model object to be loaded. If your model doesn’t train this fast, save your model object and return it in your app when you need to predict. 

If you’re interested in learning some valuable tips for machine learning projects, read our blog on machine learning project tips.

Visualization 

In addition to building a model and creating predictions, we want our app to show a visual of the prediction against a relevant distribution. The same plot function can be used for both apps, because we are using plotly for the job. 

The function below accepts the type of degree and the major, to generate the distributions, as well as the prediction that the model has given. That way, the viewer can see how their prediction compares to others. Later, we’ll see how the different app frameworks use the plotly object. 

 

 This is the general visual we’ll be generating — but because it’s plotly, it’ll be interactive! 

You might be wondering whether your favorite visualization library could work here — the answer is, maybe! Every python viz library has idiosyncrasies and is not likely to be supported exactly the same for voila and flask. I chose plotly because it has interactivity and is fully functional in both frameworks, but you are welcome to try your own visualization tool and see how it goes.  

Wrapping up

 

Written by Stephanie Kirmer

 

These days social platforms are quite popular. Websites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. are used widely by billions of people.  These websites have a lot of data that can be used for sentiment analysis against any incident, election prediction, result prediction of any big event, etc. If you have this data, you can analyze the risk of any decision.

In this post, we are going to web-scrape public Facebook pages using Python and Selenium. We will also discuss the libraries and tools required for the process. So, if you’re interested in web scraping and data analysis, keep reading!

Read more about web scraping with Python and BeautifulSoup and kickstart your analysis today.   

What do we need before writing the code? 

We will use Python 3.x for this tutorial, and I am assuming that you have already installed it on your machine. Other than that, we need to install two III-party libraries BeautifulSoup and Selenium. 

• BeautifulSoup — This will help us parse raw HTML and extract the data we need. It is also known as BS4. 
• Selenium — It will help us render JavaScript websites. 
• We also need chromium to render websites using Selenium API. You can download it from here. 

 

Before installing these libraries, you have to create a folder where you will keep the python script. 

Now, create a python file inside this folder. You can use any name and then finally, install these libraries. 

What will we extract from a Facebook page? 

We are going to scrape addresses, phone numbers, and emails from our target page. 

First, we are going to extract the raw HTML using Selenium from the Facebook page and then we are going to use. find() and .find_all() methods of BS4 to parse this data out of the raw HTML. Chromium will be used in coordination with Selenium to load the website. 

Read about: How to scrape Twitter data without Twitter API using SNScrape. 

Let’s start scraping  

Let’s first write a small code to see if everything works fine for us. 

Let’s understand the above code step by step. 

• We have imported all the libraries that we installed earlier. We have also imported the time library. It will be used for the driver to wait a little more before closing the chromium driver. 
• Then we declared the PATH of our chromium driver. This is the path where you have kept the chromedriver. 
• One empty list and an object to store data. 
• target_url holds the page we are going to scrape. 
• Then using .Chrome() method we are going to create an instance for website rendering. 
• Then using .get() method of Selenium API we are going to open the target page. 
• .sleep() method will pause the script for two seconds. 
• Then using .page_source we collect all the raw HTML of the page. 
• .close() method will close down the chrome instance. 

 

Once you run this code it will open a chrome instance, then it will open the target page and then after waiting for two seconds the chrome instance will be closed. For the first time, the chrome instance will open a little slow but after two or three times it will work faster. 

Once you inspect the page you will find that the intro section, contact detail section, and photo gallery section all have the same class names

with a div. But since for this tutorial, our main focus is on contact details therefore we will focus on the second div tag. 

Let’s find this element using the .find() method provided by the BS4 API. 

We have created a parse tree using BeautifulSoup and now we are going to extract crucial data from it. 

Using .find_all() method we are searching for all the div tags with class

and then we selected the second element from the list. 

Now, here is a catch. Every element in this list has the same class and tag. So, we have to use regular expressions in order to find the information we need to extract. 

Let’s find all of these element tags and then later we will use a for loop to iterate over each of these elements to identify which element is what. 

Here is how we will identify the address, number, and email. 

• The address can be identified if the text contains more than two commas. 
• The number can be identified if the text contains more than two dash(-). 
• Email can be identified if the text contains “@” in it. 

We ran a for loop on allDetails variable. Then we are one by one identifying which element is what. Then finally if they satisfy the if condition we are storing it in the object o. 

In the end, you can append the object o in the list l and print it. 

Once you run this code you will find this result. 

Complete Code 

We can make further changes to this code to scrape more information from the page. But for now, the code will look like this. 

Conclusion 

Today we scraped the Facebook page to collect emails for lead generation. Now, this is just an example of scraping a single page. If you have thousands of pages, then we can use the Pandas library to store all the data in a CSV file. I leave this task for you as homework. 

I hope you like this little tutorial and if you do then please do not forget to share it with your friends and on your social media.

 

Written by Manthan Koolwal

The process of deploying a web app begins by creating a Docker image, which contains all of the application’s code and its dependencies. This allows the application to be packaged and pushed to the Azure Container Registry, where it can be stored until needed.

From there, it can be deployed to the Azure App Service, where it is run as a container and can be managed from the Azure Portal. In this portal, users can adjust the settings of their app, as well as grant access to roles and services when needed. 

Once everything is set and the necessary permissions have been granted, the web app should be able to properly run on Azure. Deploying a web app on Azure using Docker is an easy and efficient way to create and deploy applications, and can be a great solution for those who lack the necessary coding skills to create a web app from scratch!’

Comprehensive overview of creating a web app for Gradio

Gradio application 

Gradio is a Python library that allows users to create interactive demos and share them with others. It provides a high-level abstraction through the Interface class, while the Blocks API is used for designing web applications.

Blocks provide features like multiple data flows and demos, control over where components appear on the page, handling complex data flows, and the ability to update properties and visibility of components based on user interaction. With Gradio, users can create a web application that allows their users to interact with their machine learning model, API, or data science workflow. 

The two primary files in a Gradio Application are:

1. App.py: This file contains the source code for the application.
2. Requirements.txt: This file lists the Python libraries required for the source code to function properly.

Docker 

Docker is an open-source platform for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of applications, as containers. It uses a container-based approach to package software, which enables applications to be isolated from each other, making it easier to deploy, run, and manage them in a variety of environments. 

A Docker container is a lightweight, standalone, and executable software package that includes everything needed to run a specific application, including the code, runtime, system tools, libraries, and settings. Containers are isolated from each other and the host operating system, making them ideal for deploying microservices and applications that have multiple components or dependencies. 

Docker also provides a centralized way to manage containers and share images, making it easier to collaborate on application development, testing, and deployment. With its growing ecosystem and user-friendly tools, Docker has become a popular choice for developers, system administrators, and organizations of all sizes. 

Azure Container Registry 

Azure Container Registry (ACR) is a fully managed, private Docker registry service provided by Microsoft as part of its Azure cloud platform. It allows you to store, manage, and deploy Docker containers in a secure and scalable way, making it an important tool for modern application development and deployment. 

With ACR, you can store your own custom images and use them in your applications, as well as manage and control access to them with role-based access control. Additionally, ACR integrates with other Azure services, such as Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Azure DevOps, making it easy to deploy containers to production environments and manage the entire application lifecycle. 

ACR also provides features such as image signing and scanning, which helps ensure the security and compliance of your containers. You can also store multiple versions of images, allowing you to roll back to a previous version if necessary. 

Azure Web App 

Azure Web Apps is a fully managed platform for building, deploying, and scaling web applications and services. It is part of the Azure App Service, which is a collection of integrated services for building, deploying, and scaling modern web and mobile applications. 

With Azure Web Apps, you can host web applications written in a variety of programming languages, such as .NET, Java, PHP, Node.js, and Python. The platform automatically manages the infrastructure, including server resources, security, and availability, so that you can focus on writing code and delivering value to your customers. 

Azure Web Apps supports a variety of deployment options, including direct Git deployment, continuous integration and deployment with Visual Studio Team Services or GitHub, and deployment from Docker containers. It also provides built-in features such as custom domains, SSL certificates, and automatic scaling, making it easy to deliver high-performing, secure, and scalable web applications. 

This guide assumes a foundational understanding of Azure and the presence of Docker on your desktop. Refer to the instructions for getting started on Mac,  Windows , or Linux for Docker. 

Step 1: Create an Azure Container Registry resource 

Go to Azure Marketplace, search for ‘container registry’, and hit ‘Create’. 

Under the “Basics” tab, complete the required information and leave the other settings as the default. Then, click “Review + Create.” 

 

Step 2: Create a Web App resource in Azure 

In Azure Marketplace, search for “Web App”, select the appropriate resource as depicted in the image, and then click “Create”. 

 

Under the “Basics” tab, complete the required information, choose the appropriate pricing plan, and leave the other settings as the default. Then, click “Review + Create.”  

 

 

Upon completion of all deployments, the following three resources will be in your resource group. 

Step 3: Create a folder containing the “App.py” file and its corresponding “requirements.txt” file 

To begin, we will utilize an emotion detector application, the model for which can be found at https://huggingface.co/bhadresh-savani/distilbert-base-uncased-emotion. 

APP.PY 

REQUIREMENTS.TXT 

Step 4: Launch Visual Studio Code and open the folder

Step 5: Launch Docker Desktop to start Docker. 

Step 6: Create a Dockerfile 

A Dockerfile is a script that contains instructions to build a Docker image. This file automates the process of setting up an environment, installing dependencies, copying files, and defining how to run the application. With a Dockerfile, developers can easily package their application and its dependencies into a Docker image, which can then be run as a container on any host with Docker installed. This makes it easy to distribute and run the application consistently in different environments. The following contents should be utilized in the Dockerfile: 

DOCKERFILE 

Step 7: Build and run a local Docker image 

Run the following commands in the VS Code terminal. 

1. docker build -t demo-gradio-app 

• The “docker build” command builds a Docker image from a Docker file. 

• The “-t demo-gradio-app” option specifies the name and optionally a tag to the name of the image in the “name:tag” format. 
• The final “.” specifies the build context, which is the current directory where the Dockerfile is located.

 

2. docker run -it -d –name my-app -p 7000:7000 demo-gradio-app 

• The “docker run” command starts a new container based on a specified image. 

• The “-it” option opens an interactive terminal in the container and keeps the standard input attached to the terminal. 

• The “-d” option runs the container in the background as a daemon process. 

• The “–name my-app” option assigns a name to the container for easier management. 

• The “-p 7000:7000” option maps a port on the host to a port inside the container, in this case, mapping the host’s port 7000 to the container’s port 7000. 

• The “demo-gradio-app” is the name of the image to be used for the container. 

This command will start a new container with the name “my-app” from the “demo-gradio-app” image in the background, with an interactive terminal attached, and port 7000 on the host mapped to port 7000 in the container. 

 

 

To view your local app, navigate to the Containers tab in Docker Desktop, and click on link under Port. 

Step 8: Tag & Push the Image to Azure Container Registry 

First, enable ‘Admin user’ from the ‘Access Keys’ tab in Azure Container Registry. 

 

Login to your container registry using the following command, login server, username, and password can be accessed from the above step. 

docker login gradioappdemos.azurecr.io

 

Tag the image for uploading to your registry using the following command. 

 

docker tag demo-gradio-app gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app 

• The command “docker tag demo-gradio-app gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app” is used to tag a Docker image. 
• “docker tag” is the command used to create a new tag for a Docker image. 
• “demo-gradio-app” is the source image name that you want to tag. 
• “gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app” is the new image name with a repository name and optionally a tag in the “repository:tag” format. 
• This command will create a new tag “gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app” for the “demo-gradio-app” image. This new tag can be used to reference the image in future Docker commands. 

Push the image to your registry. 

docker push gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app 

• “docker push” is the command used to upload a Docker image to a registry. 
• “gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app” is the name of the image with the repository name and tag to be pushed. 
• This command will push the Docker image “gradioappdemos.azurecr.io/demo-gradio-app” to the registry specified by the repository name. The registry is typically a place where Docker images are stored and distributed to others. 

 

In the Repository tab, you can observe the image that has been pushed. 

Step 9: Configure the Web App 

Under the ‘Deployment Center’ tab, fill in the registry settings then hit ‘Save’. 

 

In the Configuration tab, create a new application setting for the website port 7000, as specified in the app.py file and the hit ‘Save’. 

 

 

In the Configuration tab, create a new application setting for the website port 7000, as specified in the app.py file and the hit ‘Save’. 

 

After the image extraction is complete, you can view the web app URL from the Overview page. 

 

 

Step 1O: Pushing Image to Docker Hub (Optional) 

Here are the steps to push a local Docker image to Docker Hub: 

• Login to your Docker Hub account using the following command: 

docker login

• Tag the local image using the following command, replacing [username] with your Docker Hub username and [image_name] with the desired image name: 

docker tag [image_name] [username]/[image_name]

• Push the image to Docker Hub using the following command: 

docker push [username]/[image_name] 

• Verify that the image is now available in your Docker Hub repository by visiting https://hub.docker.com/ and checking your repositories. 

 

Wrapping it up

In this blog post, we’ll explore five ideas for data science projects that can help you build expertise in computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), sales forecasting, cancer detection, and predictive maintenance using Python. 

As a data science student, it is important to continually build and improve your skills by working on projects that are both challenging and relevant to the field. 

 

Computer vision with Python and OpenCV 

Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms and models that can interpret and understand visual information. One project idea in this area could be to build a facial recognition system using Python and OpenCV.

The project would involve training a model to detect and recognize faces in images and video and comparing the performance of different algorithms. To get started, you’ll want to become familiar with the OpenCV library, which is a powerful tool for image and video processing in Python. 

 

NLP with Python and NLTK/spaCy 

NLP is a field of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human language. A great project idea in this area would be to develop a text classification system to automatically categorize news articles into different topics.

This project could use Python libraries such as NLTK or spaCy to preprocess the text data, and then train a machine-learning model to make predictions. The NLTK library has many useful functions for text preprocessing, such as tokenization, stemming and lemmatization, and the spaCy library is a modern library for performing complex NLP tasks. 

 

Learn more about Python project ideas for 2023

 

Sales forecasting with Python and Pandas 

Sales forecasting is an important part of business operations, and as a data science student, you should have a good understanding of how to build models that can predict future sales. A project idea in this area could be to create a sales forecasting model using Python and Pandas.

The project would involve using historical sales data to train a model that can predict future sales numbers for a particular product or market. To get started, you’ll want to become familiar with the Pandas library, which is a powerful tool for data manipulation and analysis in Python. 

 

Cancer detection with Python and scikit-learn 

Cancer detection is a critical area of healthcare, and machine learning can play an important role in this field. A project idea in this area could be to build a machine-learning model to predict the likelihood of a patient having a certain type of cancer.

The project would use a dataset of patient medical records and explore the use of different features and algorithms for making predictions. The scikit-learn library is a powerful tool for building machine-learning models in Python and it provides an easy-to-use interface to train, test, and evaluate your model. 

 

Learn about Python for Data Science and speed up with Python fundamentals 

 

Predictive maintenance with Python and Scikit-learn 

Predictive maintenance is a field of industrial operations that focuses on using data and machine learning to predict when equipment is likely to fail so that maintenance can be scheduled in advance. A project idea in this area could be to develop a system that can analyze sensor data from the equipment, and use machine learning to identify patterns that indicate an imminent failure.

To get started, you’ll want to become familiar with the scikit-learn library and the concepts of clustering, classification, and regression, as well as the Python libraries for working with sensor data and machine learning. 

 

Data science projects in a nutshell:

These are just a few project ideas to help you build your skills as a data science student. Each of these projects offers the opportunity to work with real-world data, use powerful Python libraries and tools, and develop models that can make predictions and solve complex problems. As you work on these projects, you’ll gain valuable experience that will help you advance your career in. 

Are you looking for some great Python Project Ideas? Here is a list of the top 5 Python project ideas for students and aspiring people to practice.
 

Want to start a career in programming? Here are the top 5 Python project ideas 

If you keep tabs on the latest technologies, you are aware of how powerful and versatile Python is. It is widely used in numerous fields, from data science and machine learning to web development and game development. It is a widely used programming language in computer science. Its features have made it a popular choice among developers in 2022 and its trend is expected to continue in the future.  

The demand for using Python in IT projects is on the rise, due to its user-friendly nature and versatility in creating various technology applications. A growing number of individuals in the tech industry are looking for ways to improve their skills by taking on projects, volunteering, and internships using Python. As a student, learning Python can open many opportunities for you and help you build a wide range of projects that can highlight your skills and capabilities.  

Are you looking for some great Python Project Ideas? Here is a list of the top 5 Python project ideas for engineering students and aspiring coders to practice. 

1. Game Development 

Game development is a fun and challenging way to learn about programming and Python is a great language for building games. Using the Pygame library, you can easily create 2D games with features such as animation, sound, and user input. It is built on top of the SDL library, which provides low-level access to audio, keyboard, mouse, and display functions.

To create a simple game using Pygame, you will need to understand the basics of game development such as game loop, event handling, and game mechanics. You can use Pygame’s built-in functions to create a game window and display 2D graphics. This project will help you learn how to use Python for game development and gain experience with 2D graphics, animation, sound, and game mechanics. It will also give you a chance to explore the possibilities of Pygame library and create your own game. 

 

2. Weather App 

Creating a weather app is a great project idea for those interested in building applications that interact with external APIs. API, short for Application Programming Interface, are a set of rules and protocols that allow software systems to communicate. In this case, we will be using a weather API that provides current weather information for a given location. To build this weather app, you will first need to find a weather API that you can use.

To build a weather app with the request’s library in Python, first you choose a weather API and sign up for an API key. Next, you install the requests library in Python and fetch weather data with requests.get() and parse with json.loads(). Then, use pandas and matplotlib to analyze and visualize data and then create a user interface with a library like tkinter or PyQt. Lastly, try-except blocks for error handling and deploy your project on a web server or cloud platform if desired. 

 

Enroll in ‘Python for Data Science’ To learn Python and its effective use in data analysis, analytics, machine learning, and data science. 

 

3. Data Analysis 

Data analysis is an essential skill for many fields, and Python is an excellent language for working with data. The pandas and matplotlib libraries are commonly used in data analysis and visualization. Pandas is a powerful library for working with data in Python. Matplotlib is a plotting library for creating static, animated, and interactive visualizations in Python. It is used to create a wide variety of plots, including line plots, scatter plots, histograms, and heat maps. It also allows you to customize the appearance of the plots to match your needs. 

To start this project, select a dataset so that you can use pandas to read the data into a Data Frame and perform various operations on it. Then, you must clean and filter the data. Next, you can use matplotlib to create various visualizations of the data. This project will help you learn how to work with data in Python, gain experience with data analysis and visualization, and learn to use the pandas and matplotlib libraries.  

 

4. Chatbot 

Another hot topic is creating a chatbot. A chatbot is a computer program that simulates human conversation, and it can be used in a wide range of applications, such as customer service, e-commerce, and personal assistants. To build a chatbot using Python, you will need to use a combination of NLP and ML techniques.

For NLP, you can use Python libraries such as NLTK and Spacy, which provide tools for tokenizing, stemming, and lemmatizing text, as well as for performing part-of-speech tagging and named entity recognition. This project can have good learning outcomes like learning usage of natural language processing and machine learning techniques in Python. 

 

Learn about Top Python Packages

 

5. Web Scraper 

Web scraping is the process of extracting data from websites and a web scraper is a tool that automates this process. Creating a web scraper using Python’s Beautiful Soup library is a great project idea for those interested in web development and data mining. To build a web scraper, you will first need to install the Beautiful Soup library and the requests library. Another way is Selenium, a tool used for automating web browsers to do several tasks. 

The requests library is used to send an HTTP request to a website and retrieve the HTML source code, while Beautiful Soup is used to parse the HTML and extract the data. Beautiful Soup’s methods and selectors are used to extract the data required. 

 

Bottom Line 

In conclusion, there are countless possibilities for Python projects, these are just a small selection of ideas to spark inspiration. The key to success is to find a project that aligns with your interests and start experimenting with the vast array of libraries and frameworks that Python has to offer. With a bit of creativity and persistence, you can create something truly remarkable and elevate your skills to new heights. 

 

 

Written by Waasif Nadeem

In this blog, we will be learning how to program some basic movements in a drone with the help of Python. The drone we will use is Dji Tello. We will learn drone programming with Scratch, Swift, and even Python.  

 A step-by-step guide to learning drone programming

We will go step by step through how to issue commands through the Wi-Fi network 

 

Installing Python libraries 

First, we will need some Python libraries installed onto our laptop. Let’s install them with the following two commands: 

 

pip install djitellopy 

pip install opencv-python 

 

The djitellopy is a python library making use of the official Tello sdk. The second command is to install opencv which will help us to look through the camera of the drone. Some other libraries this program will make use of are ‘keyboard’ and ‘time’. After installation, we import them into our project   

 

import keyboard as kp 

from djitellopy import tello 

import time 

import cv2 

 

 Read more about Machine Learning using Python in cloud

Connection

We must first instantiate the Tello class so we can use it afterward. For the following commands to work, we must switch the drone to On and find and connect to the Wi-Fi network generated by it on our laptop. The tel.connect() command lets us connect the drone to our program. After the connection of the drone to our laptop is successful, the following commands can be executed. 

 

tel = tello.Tello() 
tel.connect() 

 

 

Sending ending commands to the drone 

We will build a function which will send movement commands to the drone.  

def getKeyboardInput(img): 

    kp.init() 

    lr, fb, ud, yv = 0, 0, 0, 0 

    speed = 50 

    if kp.getKey("LEFT"): 

        lr = -speed 

    elif kp.getKey("RIGHT"): 

        lr = speed 

 

    if kp.getKey("UP"): 

        fb = speed 

    elif kp.getKey("DOWN"): 

        fb = -speed 

 

    if kp.getKey("w"): 

        ud = speed 

    elif kp.getKey("s"): 

        ud = -speed 

     

    if kp.getKey("a"): 

        yv = speed 

    elif kp.getKey("d"): 

        yv = -speed 

 

    if kp.getKey("l"): 

        tel.land() 

    if kp.getKey("t"): 

        tel.takeoff() 

 

    if kp.getKey("z"): 

        cv2.imwrite("Resources/images/{time.time}.jpg", img) 

        time.sleep(0.05) 

    return [lr, fb, ud, yv] 

tel.streamon() 

 

 

The drone takes 4 inputs to move so we first take four values and assign a 0 to them. The speed must be set to an initial value for the drone to take off. Now we map the keyboard keys to our desired values and assign those values to the four variables. For example, if the keyboard key is “LEFT” then assign the speed with a value of -50. If the “RIGHT” key is pressed, then assign a value of 50 to the speed variable, and so on. The code block below explains how to map the keyboard keys to the variables: 

if kp.getKey("LEFT"): 

        lr = -speed 

    elif kp.getKey("RIGHT"): 

        lr = speed 

 

 

This program also takes two extra keys for landing and taking off (l and t). A keyboard key “z” is also assigned if we want to take a picture from the drone. As the drone’s video will be on, whenever we click on “z” key, opencv will save the image in a folder specified by us. After providing all the combinations, we must return the values in a 1D array. Also, don’t forget to run tel.streamon() to turn on the video streaming.     

We must make the drone take commands until and unless we press the “l” key for landing. So, we have a while True loop in the following code segment: 

 

Calling the function

 

while True: 

    img = tel.get_frame_read().frame 

    img = cv2.resize(img,(360,360)) 

    cv2.imshow('Picture',img) 

    cv2.waitKey(1) 
 
    vals = getKeyboardInput(img) 

    tel.send_rc_control(vals[0],vals[1],vals[2],vals[3]) 

    time.sleep(0.05) 

 

 

 

The get_frame_read() function reads the video frame by frame (just like an image) so we can resize it and show it on the laptop screen. The process will be so fast that it will completely look like a video being displayed.  

The last thing we must do is to call the function we created above. Remember, we have a list being returned from it. Each value of the list must be sent as a separate index value to the send_rc_control method of the tel object.  

 

Execution 

 

Before running the code, confirm that the laptop is connected to the drone via Wi-Fi. 

Now, execute the python file and then press “t” for the drone to take off. From there, you can press the keyboard keys for it to move in your desired direction. When you want the drone to take pictures, press “z” and when you want it to land, press “l” 

 

Conclusion

 

In this blog, we learned how to issue basic keyboard commands for the drone to move. Furthermore, we can also add more keys for inbuilt Tello functions like “flip” and “move away”. Videos can be captured from the drone and stored locally on our laptop 

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create an attractive voice-controlled python chatbot application with a small amount of coding. To build our application we’ll first create a good-looking user interface through the built-in Tkinter library in Python and then we will create some small functions to achieve our task. 

 

Here is a sneak peek of what we are going to create. 

 

Before kicking off, I hope you already have a brief idea about web scraping, if not then read the following article talking about Python web scraping.   

 

PRO-TIP: Join our 5-day instructor-led Python for Data Science training to enhance your deep learning

 

Pre-requirements for building a voice python chatbot

Make sure that you are using Python 3.8+ and the following libraries are installed on it 

• Pyttsx3 (pyttsx3 is a text-to-speech conversion library in Python) 
• SpeechRecognition (Library for performing speech recognition) 
• Requests (The requests module allows you to send HTTP requests using Python) 
• Bs4 (Beautiful Soup is a library that is used to scrape information from web pages) 
• pyAudio (With PyAudio, you can easily use Python to play and record audio) 

 

If you are still facing installation errors or incompatibility errors, then you can try downloading specific versions of the above libraries as they are tested and working currently in the application. 

 

• Python 3.10 
• pyttsx3==2.90 
• SpeechRecognition==3.8.1 
• requests==2.28.1
• beautifulsoup4==4.11.1 
• beautifulsoup4==4.11.1 

 

Now that we have set everything it is time to get started. Open a fresh new py file and name it VoiceChatbot.py. Import the following relevant libraries on the top of the file. 

 

• from tkinter import * 
• import time
• import datetime
• import pyttsx3
• import speech_recognition as sr
• from threading import Thread
• import requests
• from bs4 import BeautifulSoup 

 

The code is divided into the GUI section, which uses the Tkinter library of python and 7 different functions. We will start by declaring some global variables and initializing instances for text-to-speech and Tkinter. Then we start creating the windows and frames of the user interface. 

 

The user interface 

This part of the code loads images initializes global variables, and instances and then it creates a root window that displays different frames. The program starts when the user clicks the first window bearing the background image. 

 

if __name__ == “__main__”: 

 

#Global Variables 

loading = None
query = None
flag = True
flag2 = True

   

#initalizng text to speech and setting properties 

engine = pyttsx3.init() # Windows voices = engine.getProperty('voices') engine.setProperty('voice', voices[1].id) rate = engine.getProperty('rate') engine.setProperty('rate', rate-10) 

 

#loading images 

    img1= PhotoImage(file='chatbot-image.png') 
    img2= PhotoImage(file='button-green.png') 
    img3= PhotoImage(file='icon.png') 
    img4= PhotoImage(file='terminal.png') 
    background_image=PhotoImage(file="last.png") 
    front_image = PhotoImage(file="front2.png") 

 

#creating root window 

    root=Tk() 
    root.title("Intelligent Chatbot") 
    root.geometry('1360x690+-5+0')
    root.configure(background='white') 

 

#Placing frame on root window and placing widgets on the frame 

    f = Frame(root,width = 1360, height = 690) 
    f.place(x=0,y=0) 
    f.tkraise() 

 

#first window which acts as a button containing the background image 

    okVar = IntVar() 
    btnOK = Button(f, image=front_image,command=lambda: okVar.set(1)) 
    btnOK.place(x=0,y=0) 
    f.wait_variable(okVar) 
    f.destroy()     
    background_label = Label(root, image=background_image) 
    background_label.place(x=0, y=0) 

 

#Frame that displays gif image 

    frames = [PhotoImage(file='chatgif.gif',format = 'gif -index %i' %(i)) for i in range(20)] 
    canvas = Canvas(root, width = 800, height = 596) 
    canvas.place(x=10,y=10) 
    canvas.create_image(0, 0, image=img1, anchor=NW) 

 

#Question button which calls ‘takecommand’ function 

    question_button = Button(root,image=img2, bd=0, command=takecommand) 
    question_button.place(x=200,y=625) 

 

#Right Terminal with vertical scroll 

    frame=Frame(root,width=500,height=596) 
    frame.place(x=825,y=10) 
    canvas2=Canvas(frame,bg='#FFFFFF',width=500,height=596,scrollregion=(0,0,500,900)) 
    vbar=Scrollbar(frame,orient=VERTICAL) 
    vbar.pack(side=RIGHT,fill=Y) 
    vbar.config(command=canvas2.yview) 
    canvas2.config(width=500,height=596, background="black") 
    canvas2.config(yscrollcommand=vbar.set) 
    canvas2.pack(side=LEFT,expand=True,fill=BOTH) 
    canvas2.create_image(0,0, image=img4, anchor="nw") 
    task = Thread(target=main_window) 
    task.start() 
    root.mainloop() 

 

The main window functions 

This is the first function that is called inside a thread. It first calls the wishme function to wish the user. Then it checks whether the query variable is empty or not. If the query variable is empty, then it checks the contents of the query variable. If there is a shutdown or quit or stop word in query, then it calls the shutdown function, and the program exits. Else, it calls the web_scraping function. This function calls another function with the name wishme. 

 

def main_window(): 
    global query 
    wishme() 
    while True: 
        if query != None: 
            if 'shutdown' in query or 'quit' in query or 'stop' in query or 'goodbye' in query: 
                shut_down() 
                break 
            else: 
                web_scraping(query) 
                query = None 

 

The wish me function 

This function checks the current time and greets users according to the hour of the day and it also updates the canvas. The contents in the text variable are passed to the ‘speak’ function. The ‘transition’ function is also invoked at the same time in order to show the movement effect of the bot image, while the bot is speaking. This synchronization is achieved through threads, which is why these functions are called inside threads. 

 

def wishme(): 
    hour = datetime.datetime.now().hour 
    if 0 <= hour < 12: 
        text = "Good Morning sir. I am Jarvis. How can I Serve you?" 
    elif 12 <= hour < 18: 
        text = "Good Afternoon sir. I am Jarvis. How can I Serve you?" 
    else: 
        text = "Good Evening sir. I am Jarvis. How can I Serve you?" 
    canvas2.create_text(10,10,anchor =NW , text=text,font=('Candara Light', -25,'bold italic'), fill="white",width=350) 
    p1=Thread(target=speak,args=(text,)) 
    p1.start() 
    p2 = Thread(target=transition) 
    p2.start() 

 

The speak function 

This function converts text to speech using pyttsx3 engine. 

def speak(text): 
    global flag 
    engine.say(text) 
    engine.runAndWait() 
    flag=False 

 

The transition functions 

The transition function is used to create the GIF image effect, by looping over images and updating them on canvas. The frames variable contains a list of ordered image names.  

 

def transition(): 
    global img1 
    global flag 
    global flag2 
    global frames 
    global canvas 
    local_flag = False 
    for k in range(0,5000): 
        for frame in frames: 
            if flag == False: 
                canvas.create_image(0, 0, image=img1, anchor=NW) 
                canvas.update() 
                flag = True 
                return 
            else: 
                canvas.create_image(0, 0, image=frame, anchor=NW) 
                canvas.update() 
                time.sleep(0.1) 

 

The web scraping function 

This function is the heart of this application. The question asked by the user is then searched on google using the ‘requests’ library of python. The ‘beautifulsoap’ library extracts the HTML content of the page and checks for answers in four particular divs. If the webpage does not contain any of the four divs, then it searches for answers on Wikipedia links, however, if that is also not successful, then the bot apologizes.  

 

def web_scraping(qs): 
    global flag2 
    global loading 
    URL = 'https://www.google.com/search?q=' + qs 
    print(URL) 
    page = requests.get(URL) 
    soup = BeautifulSoup(page.content, 'html.parser') 
    div0 = soup.find_all('div',class_="kvKEAb") 
    div1 = soup.find_all("div", class_="Ap5OSd") 
    div2 = soup.find_all("div", class_="nGphre") 
    div3  = soup.find_all("div", class_="BNeawe iBp4i AP7Wnd") 

    links = soup.findAll("a") 
    all_links = [] 
    for link in links: 
       link_href = link.get('href') 
       if "url?q=" in link_href and not "webcache" in link_href: 
           all_links.append((link.get('href').split("?q=")[1].split("&sa=U")[0])) 

    flag= False 
    for link in all_links: 
       if 'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/' in link: 
           wiki = link 
           flag = True 
           break
    if len(div0)!=0: 
        answer = div0[0].text 
    elif len(div1) != 0: 
       answer = div1[0].text+"\n"+div1[0].find_next_sibling("div").text 
    elif len(div2) != 0: 
       answer = div2[0].find_next("span").text+"\n"+div2[0].find_next("div",class_="kCrYT").text 
    elif len(div3)!=0: 
        answer = div3[1].text 
    elif flag==True: 
       page2 = requests.get(wiki) 
       soup = BeautifulSoup(page2.text, 'html.parser') 
       title = soup.select("#firstHeading")[0].text
       paragraphs = soup.select("p") 
       for para in paragraphs: 
           if bool(para.text.strip()): 
               answer = title + "\n" + para.text 
               break 
    else: 
        answer = "Sorry. I could not find the desired results"
    canvas2.create_text(10, 225, anchor=NW, text=answer, font=('Candara Light', -25,'bold italic'),fill="white", width=350) 
    flag2 = False 
    loading.destroy()
    p1=Thread(target=speak,args=(answer,)) 
    p1.start() 
    p2 = Thread(target=transition) 
    p2.start() 

 

The take command function 

This function is invoked when the user clicks the green button to ask any question. The speech recognition library listens for 5 seconds and converts the audio input to text using google recognize API. 

 

def takecommand(): 
    global loading 
    global flag 
    global flag2 
    global canvas2 
    global query 
    global img4 
    if flag2 == False: 
        canvas2.delete("all") 
        canvas2.create_image(0,0, image=img4, anchor="nw")  
    speak("I am listening.") 
    flag= True 
    r = sr.Recognizer() 
    r.dynamic_energy_threshold = True 
    r.dynamic_energy_adjustment_ratio = 1.5 
    #r.energy_threshold = 4000 
    with sr.Microphone() as source: 
        print("Listening...") 
        #r.pause_threshold = 1 
        audio = r.listen(source,timeout=5,phrase_time_limit=5) 
        #audio = r.listen(source) 
 
    try: 
        print("Recognizing..") 
        query = r.recognize_google(audio, language='en-in') 
        print(f"user Said :{query}\n") 
        query = query.lower() 
        canvas2.create_text(490, 120, anchor=NE, justify = RIGHT ,text=query, font=('fixedsys', -30),fill="white", width=350) 
        global img3 
        loading = Label(root, image=img3, bd=0) 
        loading.place(x=900, y=622) 
 
    except Exception as e: 
        print(e) 
        speak("Say that again please") 
        return "None"

 

The shutdown function 

This function farewells the user and destroys the root window in order to exit the program. 

def shut_down(): 
    p1=Thread(target=speak,args=("Shutting down. Thankyou For Using Our Sevice. Take Care, Good Bye.",)) 
    p1.start() 
    p2 = Thread(target=transition) 
    p2.start() 
    time.sleep(7) 
   root.destroy()

 

Conclusion 

It is time to wrap up, I hope you enjoyed our little application. This is the power of Python, you can create small attractive applications in no time with a little amount of code. Keep following us for more cool python projects! 

 

 

Data science tools are becoming increasingly popular as the demand for data scientists increases. However, with so many different tools, knowing which ones to learn can be challenging

In this blog post, we will discuss the top 7 data science tools that you must learn. These tools will help you analyze and understand data better, which is essential for any data scientist.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

List of 7 data science tools 

There are many tools a data scientist must learn, but these are the top 7:

• Python
• R Programming
• SQL
• Java
• Apache Spark
• Tensorflow
• Git

And now, let me share about each of them in greater detail!

1. Python

Python is a popular programming language that is widely used in data science. It is easy to learn and has many libraries that can be used to analyze data, machine learning, and deep learning.

It has many features that make it attractive for data science: An intuitive syntax, rich libraries, and an active community.

Python is also one of the most popular languages on GitHub, a platform where developers share their code.

Therefore, if you want to learn data science, you must learn Python!

There are several ways you can learn Python:

• Take an online course: There are many online courses that you can take to learn Python. I recommend taking several introductory courses to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts.

 

PRO TIP: Join our 5-day instructor-led Python for Data Science training to enhance your deep learning skills.

 

• Read a book: You can also pick up a guidebook to learning data science. They’re usually highly condensed with all the information you need to get started with Python programming.
• Join a Boot Camp: Boot camps are intense, immersive programs that will teach you Python in a short amount of time.

 

Whichever way you learn Python, make sure you make an effort to master the language. It will be one of the essential tools for your data science career.

2. R Programming

R is another popular programming language that is highly used among statisticians and data scientists. They typically use R for statistical analysis, data visualization, and machine learning.

R has many features that make it attractive for data science:

• A wide range of packages
• An active community
• Great tools for data visualization (ggplot2)

These features make it perfect for scientific research!

In my experience with using R as a healthcare data analyst and data scientist, I enjoyed using packages like ggplot2 and tidyverse to work on healthcare and biological data too!

If you’re going to learn data science with a strong focus on statistics, then you need to learn R.

To learn R, consider working on a data mining project or taking a certificate in data analytics.

 

3. SQL

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a database query language used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data from data sources. It is an essential tool for data scientists because it allows them to work with databases.

SQL has many features that make it attractive for data science: it is easy to learn, can be used to query large databases, and is widely used in industry.

If you want to learn data science involving big data sets, then you need to learn SQL. SQL is also commonly used among data analysts if that’s a career you’re also considering exploring.

There are several ways you can learn SQL:

• Take an online course: There are plenty of SQL courses online. I’d pick one or two of them to start with
• Work on a simple SQL project
• Watch YouTube tutorials
• Do SQL coding questions

 

4. Java

Java is another programming language to learn as a data scientist. Java can be used for data processing, analysis, and NLP (Natural Language Processing).

Java has many features that make it attractive for data science: it is easy to learn, can be used to develop scalable applications, and has a wide range of frameworks commonly used in data science. Some popular frameworks include Hadoop and Kafka.

There are several ways you can learn Java:

• Work on a project
• Practice using programming exercises

 

5. Apache Spark

Apache Spark is a powerful big data processing tool that is used for data analysis, machine learning, and streaming. It is an open-source project that was originally developed at UC Berkeley’s AMPLab.

Apache Spark is known for its uses in large-scale data analytics, where data scientists can run machine learning on single-node clusters and machines.

Spark has many features made for data science:

• It can process large datasets quickly
• It supports multiple programming languages
• It has high scalability
• It has a wide range of libraries

If you want to learn big data science, then Apache Spark is a must-learn. Consider taking an online course or watching a webinar on big data to get started.

 

6. Tensorflow

TensorFlow is a powerful toolkit for machine learning developed by Google. It allows you to build and train complex models quickly.

Some ways TensorFlow is useful for data science:

• Provides a platform for data automation
• Model monitoring
• Model training

Many data scientists use TensorFlow with Python to develop machine learning models. TensorFlow helps them to build complex models quickly and easily.

If you’re interested to learn TensorFlow, do consider these ways:

• Read the official documentation
• Complete online courses
• Attend a TensorFlow meetup

However, to learn and practice your Tensorflow skills, you’ll need to pick up decent deep learning hardware to support the running of your algorithms.

 

7. Git

Git is a version control system used to track code changes. It is an essential tool for data scientists because it allows them to work on projects collaboratively and keep track of their work.

Git is useful in data science for:

• Tracking changes in code
• Allowing collaboration on coding projects
• Keeping track of work

If you’re planning to enter data science, Git is a must-know tool! Since you’ll be coding a lot in Python/R/Java, you’ll want to master Git to work with your team well in a collaborative coding environment.

Git is also an essential part of using GitHub, a code repository platform used by many data scientists.

To learn Git, I’d recommend just watching simple tutorials on YouTube.

Final thoughts

And these are the top seven data science tools that you must learn!

The most important thing is to get started and keep upskilling yourself! There is no one-size-fits-all solution in data science, so find the tools that work best for you and your team and start learning.

I hope this blog post has been helpful in your journey to becoming a data scientist. Happy learning!

 

Written by Austin Chia

Listed below are the pre-installed Python libraries related to Deep learning and the sources of repositories of Deep Learning books provided by this offer:

Python libraries:

• NumPy
• Matplotlib
• Pandas
• Seaborn
• TensorFlow
• Tflearn
• PyTorch
• Keras
• Scikit Learn
• Lasagne
• Leather
• Theano
• D2L
• OpenCV

Repositories:

• GitHub repository of book Deep Learning with Python 2nd Edition, by author François Chollet.
• GitHub repository of book Hands-on Deep Learning Algorithms with Python, by author Sudharsan Ravichandran.
• GitHub repository of book Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow, by author Geron Aurelien.
• GitHub repository of collection on Deep Learning Models, by author Sebastian Raschka.

Conclusion:

Jupyter Hub for Deep Learning using Python provides an in-browser coding environment with just a single click, hence providing ease of installation. Through this offer, a user can work on a variety of Deep Learning applications self-driving cars, healthcare, fraud detection, language translations, auto-completion of sentences, photo descriptions, image coloring and captioning, object detection, and localization.

This Jupyter Hub for Deep Learning instance is ideal to learn more about Deep Learning without the need to worry about configurations and computing resources.

The heavy resource requirement to deal with large datasets and perform the extensive model training and analysis for these applications is no longer an issue as heavy computations are now performed on Microsoft Azure which increases processing speed.

At Data Science Dojo, we deliver data science education, consulting, and technical services to increase the power of data.

We are therefore adding a free Jupyter Notebook Environment dedicated specifically to Deep Learning using Python. Install the Jupyter Hub offer now from the Azure Marketplace, your ideal companion in your journey to learn data science!