What is the difference between using loc and using just square brackets to filter for columns in Pandas/Python?

Michael Zippo

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I"ve noticed three methods of selecting a column in a Pandas DataFrame:

First method of selecting a column using loc:

df_new = df.loc[:, "col1"]

Second method - seems simpler and faster:

df_new = df["col1"]

Third method - most convenient:

df_new = df.col1

Is there a difference between these three methods? I don"t think so, in which case I"d rather use the third method.

I"m mostly curious as to why there appear to be three methods for doing the same thing.

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Julia Zelotti

Abu Dhabi | 2023-01-27

I was preparing for my coding interview, thanks for clarifying this - What is the difference between using loc and using just square brackets to filter for columns in Pandas/Python? in Python is not the simplest one. Will use it in my bachelor thesis

Schneider Williams

California | 2023-01-27

Maybe there are another answers? What What is the difference between using loc and using just square brackets to filter for columns in Pandas/Python? exactly means?. Checked yesterday, it works!

Davies OConnell

San Francisco | 2023-01-27

Simply put and clear. Thank you for sharing. What is the difference between using loc and using just square brackets to filter for columns in Pandas/Python? and other issues with square was always my weak point 😁. I am just not quite sure it is the best method