Split a Pandas column of lists into multiple columns

Leveraging alternative methods

Pack your coding belt with alternatives to ensure data processing efficiency:

With pd.concat(), performance is no pandas-monium!

Bring original DataFrame and expanded columns in a peaceful co-existence:

# I asked them to live together. They accepted.
df_expanded = pd.concat([df, pd.DataFrame(df['list_column'].tolist())], axis=1).drop('list_column', axis=1)
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Never leave your index behind

Keep the index well aligned with your data:

# "Left behind? Not on my watch!"
df_expanded.set_index(df.index)
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Love efficient reshaping? Fall in love with zip(*list)

Save up to 40% processing time. All code and no play is now a myth:

# Time flies? Let's make it gallop!
df_expanded = pd.concat([df, pd.DataFrame(list(zip(*df['list_column'])))], axis=1)
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str.split() for any devilish delimited strings

Break the string chains:

# Chains can't hold me, I'm splitting!
df['string_column'].str.split(',', expand=True)
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Ensure clarity in chaos by naming the new columns

Add clear names for precision:

# "A column by any other name wouldn't be as sweet."
df_expanded.columns = ['Col1', 'Col2', ... ]
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Big data's rule: "Be performant or perish"

Hello %timeit, my old friend

Get the stopwatch out, let's benchmark this!

# On your marks, get set, TIME IT!
%timeit pd.DataFrame(df['list_column'].tolist(), index=df.index)
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The survival of the quickest!

Pit zip against apply, see where %timeit taps out!

Challenges beware! I've got solutions for uneven list lengths, missing data, and the never-ending casting saga:

# Make uneven lists shake hands
df_expanded = pd.DataFrame(df['list_column'].tolist()).reindex_like(df)

# Cast Away: A column type tale!
df_expanded['Col1'] = df_expanded['Col1'].astype(int)
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Break the chains! Use apply()

Breaking free from .tolist():

Bring your logic to the table

Split by condition or party position

df.apply(lambda row: [row['list_column'][0]] if condition else [None, row['list_column'][1]], axis=1)
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Your DataFrame your rule!

Write a function to expand the lists while respecting DataFrame's shape and index integrity.