How to check whether a pandas DataFrame is empty?
The fastest way to check if a Pandas DataFrame is void of data is by utilizing the df.empty
attribute:
As another method, try evaluating the DataFrame's shape:
These approaches offer quick checks for examining a DataFrame's contents, yet they only touch the surface.
Digging deeper: Handling diverse DataFrame scenarios
Are all values zero, nan, or none?
Here's a twist, a DataFrame may appear to contain elements, but all its values are NaN
or None
. So is it truly empty?
Check your type before you step into the DataFrame bar
Before you go checking for emptiness, make sure your prom date, df
, is a pandas.DataFrame
and not a costly None
:
Time and Memory: Our greatest nemeses
The story is little different with large DataFrames. The operations len(df.index)
and len(df.columns)
do not consume much memory:
Counting sheep... and meaningful data
A holistic check involves scanning all entries in the DataFrame, disregarding NaN
values:
This methodology ensures there's something valid within the DataFrame's borders.
Exploring exceptions when DataFrame is empty-like
Don't get fooled by pretentious null values
Where your DataFrame might contain only NaN
or None
values in rows or columns, bring out this heavy artillery:
Silent zeros may not qualify as data
DataFrames may have a pre-assigned size but might not contain actual data, just an array of pesky zeros:
Now are we just sitting ducks?
Make it talk, print results
Why not let the checks speak out their results?
This adds audible delight, especially during initial stages of debugging or log outputs.
Decision points in code workflow
A DataFrame being empty or non-empty may dictate consequent steps:
Incorporate this structure for seamless integration into your code.
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