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Top 10 Python Libraries for Data Visualization in 2024

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06th Jun, 2024
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    Top 10 Python Libraries for Data Visualization in 2024

    In today’s age, a lot of data is being generated daily. Analyzing these data for certain patterns and trends in the raw format is challenging. Here’s how data visualization comes into play. Data visualization is the process of understanding the data in a more detailed way, using graphical representations such as graphs and plots. Data Visualization with Tableau Certification will equip you with critical skills and enable you to make organized pictorial representations, making them easy to understand, observe and analyze in the future. Let's explore popular Python libraries for data visualization in detail. 

    Python Data Visualization Libraries

    Let's characterize the data visualization libraries based on:

    • Interactivity: Whether the library offers interactive elements.
    • Syntax: What level of control does the library offer, and does it follow a specific paradigm?
    • Main Strength and Use Case: In which situation is the library best?

    The table below summarizes the top Python data visualization libraries based on the above factors:

    LibraryInteractive FeaturesSyntaxMain Strength and Use Case
    MatplotlibLimitedLow-levelHighly customized plots
    seabornLimited (via Matplotlib)High-levelFast, presentable reports
    BokehYesHigh- and low-level, influenced by the grammar of graphicsInteractive visualization of big data sets
    AltairYesHigh level, declarative, follows the grammar of graphicsData exploration and interactive reports
    PlotlyYesHigh- and low-levelCommercial applications and dashboards

    There are many data visualization libraries in Python that are built to perform numerous functions, contain tools, and have methods to manage and analyze data. Each has a particular objective while managing images, textual data, data mining, data visualization, and more. 

    Here we have listed the top 10 popular Python libraries for data visualization.

    • Matplotlib
    • Plotly
    • Seaborn
    • GGplot
    • Altair
    • Bokeh
    • Pygal
    • Geoplotlib
    • Folium
    • Gleam

    1. Matplotlib

    Matplotlib is one of the best Python visualization library for generating powerful yet simple visualization. It is a 2-D plotting library that can be used in various ways, including Python, iPython sheets, and Jupyter notebooks.

    Matplotlib - Python data visualization libraries
    JavatpointKey Features  

    • It supports various types of graphical representation, including line graphs, bar graphs, and histograms.
    • It can work with the NumPy arrays and border SciPy stack.
    • It has a huge number of plots for understanding trends and making correlations.
    ProsCons
    Interactive platformNot ideal for time series data
    Versatile libraryLearning curve for beginners
    Compatibility with NumPy arrays and border SciPy stack

    Installation: Click here to install Matplotlib 

    2. Plotly

    The most popular data visualization library in Python is Plotly, which delivers an interactive plot and is easily readable to beginners. It is widely used for handling financial, geographical, statistical, and scientific data. 

    Plotly - Data visualization libraries
    mode.com

    Key Features  

    • Its robust API functions effectively in both local and web browser modes. 
    • It is an interactive, open-source, and high-level visualization library. 
    • It can be viewed in Jupyter notebooks, standalone HTML files, or even hosted online. 
    ProsCons
    Offers contour plots, dimension chars, and dendrogramsDifficult to use
    Allows 40 unique chart and plot typesLimited 3D plotting capabilities
    Seamless integration with PythonHeavier, resource-intensive library compared to others

    Installation: Click here to install Plotly 

    3. Seaborn

    Seaborn is the best python libraries for data visualization, which offers a variety of visualized patterns. It is designed to work more compatible with Pandas data form and is widely used for statistical visualization. 

    Seaborn is the best python library for data visualization
    Heatmap created with seaborn (Source: Seaborn.pydata.org)Key Features  

    • It performs the necessary mapping and aggregation to form information visuals. 
    • It is integrated to explore and understand data in a better and more detailed way. 
    • It offers a high level of a crossing point for creating beautiful and informative algebraic graphics. 
    ProsCons
    Much more visually appealing representationLimited customizable options
    Switch to any other data formatSlow for large datasets

    Installation: Click here to install Seaborn 

    4. GGplot

    GGplot is another popular data visualization library in Python, known as the Python implementation of graphics grammar. It refers to the map of the data, with its aesthetic attributes including color, shape, and geometric objects like points and bars.  

    GGplot is another popular data visualization library in Python
    javatpoint

    Key Features  

    • It allows you to build informative visualization substantially with improved representations 
    • It is integrated with Panda to store data in a data frame. 
    • It is based on ggplot2, an R programming language plotting system. 
    ProsCons
    Documentation is simple and easy to followNot suitable for creating highly customized graphics
    Save method to discuss and exhibit plotsSome features, such as creating maps with theme_map, are not available in ggplot

    Installation: Click here to install GGplot 

    5. Altair

    Altair is regarded as one of the declarative statistical visualization libraries for data visualization in Python. It indicates that we need to define the links in the data columns, which are the x-axis and y-axis, while creating any visuals. 

    libraries for data visualization in Python - Altair
    fusionchartsKey Features  

    • It has a user-friendly and consistent API built on Vega-lite JSON specification. 
    • Its source is present on GitHub 
    • It is dependent on Python 3.6, entry points, jsonschema, NumPy, Pandas, and Toolz 

    Pros And Cons  

    • Create the best visuals with minimal code 
    • Holds declarative grammar on both visuals and interaction 

    Installation: Click here to install  Altair 

    6. Bokeh

    Bokeh is another interactive Python library for data visualized for modern web browsers. This is best suitable for developing interactive plots and dashboards for complex or streaming data assets. 

    Bokeh is another interactive python library for data visualized
    fusionchartsKey Features  

    • It has a broad range of intuitive graphs which can be leveraged to form solutions. 
    • It is well-known for creating custom-made visualizations. 
    • It includes various generation and plot chart methods, including box plots, bar plots, and histograms. 
    ProsCons
    Highest level of control for the rapid creation of chartsNo pre-set defaults, and users have to define them each time
    Many graphs with fewer codes and higher resolutionSmaller set of supported chart types

    Installation: Click here to install Boken 

    7. Pygal

    Pygal is one of the most popular and best Python data visualization libraries where the interactive plots are built using the pygal library. It allows you to download your visualization in various formations, including SVG. PNG, Browser, PyQuery, and more. 

    most popular and best python data visualization libraries - Pygal
    fusionchartsKey Features  

    • It has three individual map packages to keep the compact module size. 
    • It offers an interactive experience with data explorations, filtration, and more. 
    • It is optimized with rich support, allowing users to be more visionary even in multiple complex problems. 
    ProsCons
    It can provide output chats of data like SVGsBecome slow with a large number of data points
    Attractive char in a few code linesSVGs will suffice as long as you're working with smaller datasets

    Installation: Click here to install Pygal 

    8. Geoplotlib

    Geoplotlib is another data visualization library of Python that allows the user to build maps and plot geographical data. This library is designed to handle the entire dataset, map projection, and tile download of the map automatically. 

    Geoplotlib is another data visualization library of Python
    fusionchartsKey Features  

    • It has the toolbox used to draw various maps, including heatmaps, dot-density maps, and choropleths. 
    • It has an interface of an object-oriented programming language. 
    • It also has excellent zooming and panning maps for distinct views. 
    Pros
    Graphics rendering from OpenGL
    Large datasets can be performed with excellent resolution
    Enables hardware acceleration

    Installation: Click here to install Geoplotlib 

    9. Folium

    Folium is one of the easy-to-use Python packages for data visualization to visualize and analyze data on an interactive leaflet map. The library utilizes OpenStreetMap, which provides the user with an excellent Google Maps experience with few codings. 

    easy-to-use data visualization python libraries - Folium
    MultiPolyline (Folium) Key Features  

    • It has numerous built-in tilesets from various platforms, including Stamen, Mapbox, and OpenStreetMaps. 
    • It is easy to add locations of other users with markets. 
    • It also has different plugins and is capable of creating maps similar to plotly, Altari, and broken. 
    ProsCons
    Employ various pluginsComplex to handle shapefiles
    Easy to draw maps with markersBasemap has the problem of requiring you to get and handle shapefiles, and the result is static images

    Installation: Click here to install Folium 

    10. Gleam

    Gleam is the perfect Python library for data visualization, made from the inspiration of the Shiney package of programming language. The users can develop the basic plot with gleam while building various fields on top, enabling easy filtration and sorting of data. 

    Gleam is the perfect python library for data visualization
    mode.comKey Features  

    • It is used in the visualization and analysis of data in interactive web applications that take only python scripts. 
    • It can work with any kind of data visualization of python language. 
    • It doesn’t require the knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript. 
    Pros
    Suits all types of library
    Simple to filter and sort data

    Installation: Click here to install Gleam

    How To Use Python For Data Visualization?

    Python has now emerged as the go-to language in data science, and it is one of the essential skills required in data science. Python libraries for data visualization are designed with their specifications. Obtaining Business Intelligence Training will assist you in gaining key insight into the data through different graphical representations.

    Here are the steps to use Python for data visualization.

    Step 1: Importing Packages

    Python in data visualization should start by importing the necessary packages. The packages include Pandas for processing, Matplotib for visualization, seaborn for advanced visuals, and Numpy for calculations.

    Step 2: Importing And Cleaning Data

    This is an important step as a perfect and clean dataset is required for distinct and perfect data visualization.

    Step 3: Creating Visualization

    You can create different types of visualization, from basic to advanced charts. For instance, a line chart is the most common visualization chart used to observe trends, while a bar chart represents ranking values.

    Usage of Python Libraries For Data Visualization

    Python is a dynamic, portable, interpreted, and object-oriented programming language that has its advantages in Computer vision, data science, machine learning, robotics, and so on. Data visualization in Python libraries gives you many insights throughout the entire process of analysis.

    Here are some benefits of Python libraries used for data visualization.

    • Due to Python’s popularity, the features of Python libraries inherited simplicity and readability, making it user-friendly for people. 
    • There are numerous Python visualization libraries where some of which are tailor-made to fit your requirements. 
    • From importing data from excel sheets to processing datasets for analyzing time series, Python libraries have all. For instance, Matplotlib is equipped with the necessary tools for effective data visualization. 

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    Career Options In Data Visualization

    There are various options for a data visualization career available across multiple industries. If you are interested in the field, it will be helpful to learn the roles and responsibilities of each position to make more informed career choices. Here are some data visualizations of career options.

    1. Data specialist (Rs. 7.0 Lakhs): They convert data of different forms, including paperwork and physical documents, to digital formations for further data visualization. (Source: Ambitionbox)
    2. Data visualization engineer (Rs. 12.6 Lakhs): They transform complicated data into easy-to-understand information which is accessible to everyone. 
    3. Data Visualization consultant ( Rs. 6.1 Lakhs): They perform various tasks, including better handling the data, extracting more useful insight, finding solutions to issues, and making better decisions. (Source: Ambitionbox)

    Summing Up

    Data visualization is one of the critical aspects that needs to be addressed using effective visualization techniques. This article helps you to find the most popular Python libraries for data visualization in a very in-depth way. Are you ready to start your career path in Data visualization? Enrolling in the comprehensive Data Visualization with QlikView Course will be your powerful guide in learning how to use Python to analyze data and create effective and beautiful visualizations. It is designed for both beginners and experienced developers who want to build a promising future in data science.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1What is a data visualization library?

    Data visualization libraries are tools designed to aid users in understanding complex ideas and creating a visualization to depict the information. Python data visualization libraries play a critical role when you are working with large or complicated datasets, giving you in-depth insights.

    2Can Python be used for data visualization?

    Data visualization in Python is one of the most utilized aspects of data science in today’s age. There are various python libraries for data visualization with unique features so that users can have better knowledge of datasets in a detailed way and with proper analysis.

    3How do you visualize data in Python?

    Data visualization is the process of identifying trends and correlations in the data by representing it in the form of pictures. It is best to use leading python data visualization modules, including Matplotlib, Plotly, and others that suit your specific requirements.

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    Mansoor Mohammed

    Business Agility Expert

    Mansoor Mohammed is a dynamic and energetic Enterprise Agile Coach, P3M & PMO Consultant, Trainer, Mentor, and Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Strategy Execution and Business Agility. With a background in Avionics, Financial Services, Banking, Telecommunications, Retail, and Digital, Mansoor has led global infrastructure and software development teams, launched innovative products, and enabled Organizational Change Management. As a results-driven leader, he excels in collaborating, adapting, and driving partnerships with stakeholders at all levels. With expertise in Change Management, Transformation, Lean, Agile, and Organizational Design, Mansoor is passionate about aligning strategic goals and delivering creative solutions for successful business outcomes. Connect with him to explore change, Agile Governance, implementation delivery, and the future of work.

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