CODING BASICS FOR DATA ANALYTICS USING
PYTHON AND PANDAS
This section explains the basic coding concepts required for data analytics. The goal is to understand what
each line of code does and why it is used. Every example is explained clearly so beginners can follow easily.
WHAT ARE LIBRARIES IN PYTHON?
A library in Python is a collection of pre-written code that helps us perform tasks easily without writing
everything from scratch.
Libraries save time, reduce errors, and make programs powerful.
Commonly used libraries in data analytics: - Pandas – used for handling and analyzing data - NumPy – used
for numerical operations - Matplotlib – used for data visualization
IMPORTING A LIBRARY
Before using a library, it must be imported into the program.
Example:
import pandas as pd
Explanation: - import tells Python to load an external library - pandas is the library name - as pd
gives a short name for easy usage
LOADING A CSV FILE
A CSV file contains data arranged in rows and columns. Pandas allows us to read CSV files easily.
Example:
df = pd.read_csv("[Link]")
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Explanation: - df is the variable name (DataFrame) - pd refers to the pandas library - read_csv() is a
function used to read CSV files - "[Link]" is the name of the file
The data is now stored inside the DataFrame df .
WHAT IS A DATAFRAME?
A DataFrame is a table-like structure with rows and columns. It is similar to an Excel sheet.
Each column represents a feature, and each row represents a record.
VIEWING DATA – HEAD()
The head() function is used to display the first few rows of the dataset.
Example:
[Link]()
Explanation: - head() shows the first 5 rows by default - It helps in quickly understanding the data
You can also specify the number of rows:
[Link](10)
VIEWING DATA – TAIL()
The tail() function displays the last few rows of the dataset.
Example:
[Link]()
Explanation: - tail() shows the last 5 rows by default - Useful to check recent or ending data
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UNDERSTANDING DATA – INFO()
The info() function provides a summary of the dataset.
Example:
[Link]()
Explanation: - Shows number of rows and columns - Displays column names - Shows data types - Indicates
missing values
This function helps understand the structure of the dataset.
DATA STATISTICS – DESCRIBE()
The describe() function generates statistical information of numerical columns.
Example:
[Link]()
Explanation: - count – number of non-missing values - mean – average value - min – minimum value -
max – maximum value - std – standard deviation
This helps in understanding data distribution.
SELECTING A COLUMN
To access a single column from a DataFrame:
Example:
df["salary"]
Explanation: - "salary" is the column name - Returns all values in that column
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FILTERING ROWS
Filtering is used to select rows based on conditions.
Example:
df[df["age"] > 25]
Explanation: - Selects rows where age is greater than 25 - Condition is applied inside square brackets
SORTING DATA
Sorting arranges data in ascending or descending order.
Example:
df.sort_values("salary")
Explanation: - Sorts data by salary in ascending order
Descending order:
df.sort_values("salary", ascending=False)
HANDLING MISSING VALUES
Missing values are empty or null values in data.
To remove missing values:
[Link]()
To replace missing values:
[Link](0)
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GROUPING DATA
Grouping combines data based on a category.
Example:
[Link]("department").mean()
Explanation: - Groups data by department - Calculates average for each group
WHY THESE FUNCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT
Functions like head(), tail(), info(), and describe() help: - Understand data quickly - Detect errors - Identify
missing values - Prepare data for analysis
These are the first steps in any data analytics project.
CONCLUSION
Understanding Python libraries and basic Pandas functions is essential for data analytics. These tools help
transform raw data into meaningful information and form the foundation for advanced analytics.