Python itself is a programming language used in many fields such as web development, crawling, machine learning, but in addition to these, today I want to tell you one of the most popular learning directions for Python-that is, Python data analysis.
I often hear the question, "In financial analysis, why should I learn a programming language like Python, and even use it more than Excel?"
In the financial field, Python has become a hot analysis tool, which has almost become a consensus. Faced with Excel and Python, who is more suitable for data analysis has indeed been discussed by everyone.
1. Why learn Python?
Since Python is a data analysis tool similar to Excel in the field of data analysis, and both implement the same functions, why should you learn Python? Isn’t it enough to learn Excel well? I think the main reasons for learning Python are as follows:
1. When dealing with large amounts of data, Python is more efficient than Excel
When the amount of data is small, the processing speeds of Excel and Python are basically the same, but when the amount of data is large or the formulas are nested too much, Excel will become very slow. What should I do at this time?
We can use Python, which is significantly better than Excel in processing massive data.
Use the Vlookup function to do an experiment. Two tables with a size of 23MB (60,000 rows of data). Before doing any processing and without any formula nesting, use the Vlookup function in Excel to get the data of the other table directly. The data takes 20 seconds (my computer performance parameters are I7, 8GB memory, 256GB solid-state hard drive), and it may be difficult for a computer with a slightly poor configuration to open this table.
But it only takes 580 milliseconds to implement the above process in Python, or 0.58 seconds, which is 34 times the efficiency of Excel.
2. Python can be easily automated
You might say that Excel's VBA can also be automated, but VBA is mainly based on Excel's internal automation, and some other aspects of automation cannot be done by VBA. For example, if you want to batch modify file names under a local folder, VBA will Not possible, but Python can.
3. Python can be used to make algorithm models
Although you are doing data analysis, it is necessary to master some basic algorithm models. Python allows you to build some models when you understand some basic algorithm principles. For example, you can use clustering algorithms to build a model. To classify users.
2. Why should I compare Excel to learning Python?
Although Python is a programming language, the functions implemented in the field of data analysis are the same as the basic functions of Excel. Excel is a familiar and easy-to-use software, so you can compare and learn Python data analysis through Excel data analysis.
For example, numeric value replacement, that is, to replace one value with another value. The requirement to replace "Excel" with "Python" can be achieved by clicking the mouse in Excel, as shown in the following figure: Python uses specific codes The implementation is as follows: df.replace("Excel","Python")# means to replace Excel in table df with Python.
We study data analysis, not to learn Excel or Python operations in isolation, but to focus on the entire data analysis process: familiar with tools-clear purpose-obtaining data-familiar with data-processing data-analyzing data-drawing conclusions-verifying conclusions —Show the conclusion, tell you what operations will be used in each process, and how these operations are implemented in Excel and Python.
Data analysis must first have an idea and then consider how to implement it with tools, rather than getting into the use of memory tools at the beginning.
Only through correct analysis methods to mine huge business opportunities from massive and messy data to support the rapid development of the company and continuously increase revenue can the true value of data be reflected!
Therefore, 99% of companies need excellent data analysts in particular, and the salary is very high. ByteDance will start with a monthly salary of 30,000 yuan!
For college students who have not graduated or just worked, it is very unrealistic to have high-level data analysis capabilities to really get in touch with core business!
If you have strong self-control, self-motivated, and want to change the status quo through learning, you can reply in the background or comment: Python, you can receive the latest full set of Python learning materials + source code + projects + notes for free, and help everyone learn Python!