I recently submitted some code where I utilized the Pandas library for scraping data from HTML tables, thinking it made the task simpler. However, I received feedback suggesting that I shouldn't use Pandas in a production environment. I wanted to gather opinions on whether using Pandas in production is a bad idea and if so, what the concerns might be.
5 Answers
I would encourage you to speak with the reviewer directly to understand their rationale better. There’s no blanket rule against using Pandas, as it’s widely accepted in various production applications, but there might be specific reasons for your case that you need to consider.
I've seen Pandas work great in production, but it’s not typically deployed for real-time applications. It’s primarily used for scripting and batch jobs. If your project deals with high throughput needs, you might want to rethink the choice of library.
Yes! Using Pandas can lead to memory issues with large datasets, so always weigh the pros and cons based on your specific scenario.
Your reviewer's feedback suggests they may be concerned about adding unnecessary dependencies, especially since Pandas can be resource heavy. It’s important to consider the scale of your application—if performance is critical, then libraries like Polars or Pyspark may be more suitable alternatives for handling data.
Very true! For large datasets, especially in high-demand environments, it’s often better to opt for something lighter and more efficient.
Pandas is generally considered fine for production use. If your reviewer is saying otherwise, it might be worth asking them for clarification to understand their concerns. Sometimes, they might suggest using libraries specifically designed for parsing HTML, like BeautifulSoup, as it can handle such tasks more efficiently without the overhead of a large library like Pandas.
Exactly! If you’re just scraping simple HTML tables, Pandas may be overkill. There are lighter libraries that can do the job just as well, if not better.
Honestly, it boils down to the context of your application. Many developers use Pandas in production environments, especially for data manipulation tasks. However, if you’re purely using it for HTML parsing, that’s typically seen as excessive. You might want to check what tools are being used in your project already to maintain consistency.
Agreed! Keeping the tech stack uniform can prevent integration issues down the line.
Absolutely! Getting clarity on their feedback can help you take a more informed approach to your coding practices.