In this chapter, we'll build a foundation for using pandas to join data. You'll learn about the types of joins and how pandas can improve your effectiveness and productivity.

Joining data: a real-world necessity

The need for joining data

Working with split data

Working with complementary data

Concatenation

Concatenating rows

Concatenating rows with duplicated indexes

Concatenating columns

Power and flexibility

Advantages of pandas joins

Simple coding for complex merges

Introduction to joining data

In this chapter, you'll learn how to use pandas for joining data in a way similar to using VLOOKUP formulas in a spreadsheet. You'll learn about three types of joins and then focus on the first type, one-to-one joins.

Types of joins

One-to-one joins

One-to-many joins

Many-to-many joins

A closer look at one-to-one joins

Order the tasks

Unscrambling the framework.

Replicating VLOOKUP

Merging on two or more keys

Combining common data with inner joins

Object-oriented merges

Basic inner joins

Dealing with different names

Statement

Concatenate rows

Left merge

Inner merge

Choosing the correct join method

VLOOKUP-style joins

In this chapter, we'll focus on one-to-many relationships. You'll practice identifying the relationship of key columns and joining data frames by column. You'll also learn how to join two or more data frames based on their indices.

"Out of many, one"

Framework part 2: one-to-many merges

Identifying one-to-many relationships

Joining on key columns

Checking for duplicate keys

Completing a one-to-many merge

Index-based joins

Joining on index

Joining multiple tables

Reviewing the one-to-many join

In the final chapter, you'll learn advanced joining techniques to use when faced with challenging data. You'll be presented with a challenge of your own in the form of a case study that tests your skills.

Joining data in real life

Mixing indexes and columns

Suffixes and indicators

Working with time data

Combining time series

Matching to the nearest time

Recap and case study

Case study challenge - part 1

Case study challenge - part 2

Case study challenge - part 3

Advanced joins

Games Plays

Players draft

Current players

Games

New weather data

Joining two or more datasets is necessary for almost any real-world analysis. You’ve done it before with spreadsheets using VLOOKUP and related functions. Can you build on this experience as you transition to the world of Python? Yes! In this course you will learn the ins and outs of bringing datasets together with pandas, Python’s gold standard for manipulating tabular data. You’ll apply pandas functions to combine data from the National Football League (NFL) framed in a familiar spreadsheet environment. Armed with these skills you will be able to harness the power of pandas and integrate larger, more complex datasets into any analysis.

Python for Spreadsheet Users

Learn how to effectively and efficiently join datasets in tabular format using the Python Pandas library.  

Pandas Joins for Spreadsheet Users

Combine three datasets, each with stadium sizes and locations for different states.

Create a dataset of all running plays with snowfall data when available. Combine a dataset of all run outcomes and a dataset of plays with snowfall.

Create a dataset of players injured on Monday nights. Combine a dataset of all players in Monday night games and a dataset of all players injured.

Choosing the correct join method

Pandas Joins for Spreadsheet Users

Hands-on interactive exercise