Python Problem with appending a dataframe after a loop

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The discussion centers around a coding issue in Python using pandas, where the user is trying to append rows to a DataFrame within nested loops. Initially, the user creates a new DataFrame called 'results' inside the loop, which causes the previous rows to be replaced with each iteration. The solution involves moving the creation of the 'results' DataFrame outside of the loops. After implementing this change, the user encounters a new error related to scalar values when attempting to create a row. The issue is resolved by correctly specifying the index for the new row. Additionally, it is noted that iterating over large DataFrames is inefficient and that alternatives such as list comprehensions, vectorized solutions, or the DataFrame.apply() method should be considered for better performance.
msn009
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I am iterating over 2 variables below and after the calculation are done, i'd like to append the dataframe to add the rows after each iteration, but what is happening now is that the row is getting replaced instead of getting added.

Python:
pre = [10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
post  = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

for i in pre:
    for j in post:
        results = pd.DataFrame(index=None)
        row = pd.DataFrame({'pre':i, 'post:j})
        results = results.append(row, ignore_index=True)

how do i ensure that at every iteration a new row will be added instead of replacing the existing one? Thanks
 
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msn009 said:
Python:
        results = pd.DataFrame(index=None)
What does that line do?
 
Ibix said:
What does that line do?
it creates a new dataframe called results and i am appending this dataframe with the values from row
 
msn009 said:
it creates a new dataframe called results and i am appending this dataframe with the values from row
So what does it do the second time round the loop?
 
Ibix said:
So what does it do the second time round the loop?
so for the first row it should add 10, 0 and when it goes through the loop again, there should be a new row in with values 10, 1 but what's happening now is the 10,0 is getting replaced with 10,1 instead of getting added.
 
Not what I wanted to know. What does that line I quoted do the second time around the loop?
 
Ibix said:
Not what I wanted to know. What does that line I quoted do the second time around the loop?
yes, i get what you mean now. it creates an empty dataframe again. didn't occur to me until now! thanks. i will move it to before the loop begins.
 
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Likes rbelli1 and Ibix
changed the code to below:

Python:
import pandas as pd
pre = [10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
post  = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
index = 0

results = pd.DataFrame(index=None)
for i in pre:
    for j in post:
        row = pd.DataFrame({'pre':i, 'post':j})
        results = results.append(row, ignore_index=True)
        print('The new data frame is: \n{}'.format(results))

but its giving me this error now

ValueError: If using all scalar values, you must pass an index --- at the row line.. i am not sure what index should i place in there.
 
msn009 said:
changed the code to below:

Python:
import pandas as pd
pre = [10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]
post  = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
index = 0

results = pd.DataFrame(index=None)
for i in pre:
    for j in post:
        row = pd.DataFrame({'pre':i, 'post':j}, index[0])
        results = results.append(row, ignore_index=True)
        print('The new data frame is: \n{}'.format(results))
solved with adding index[0]
 
  • #10
Iterating through large pandas dataFrame objects is generally slow. Pandas iteration beats the whole purpose of using DataFrame. It is an anti-pattern and is something you should only do when you have exhausted every other option. It is better look for a List Comprehensions , vectorized solution or DataFrame.apply() method.

Pandas DataFrame loop using list comprehension example

Code:
result = [(x, y,z) for x, y,z in zip(df['column_1'], df['column_2'],df['column_3'])]
 
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