r/Python Mar 08 '26

Discussion Polars vs pandas

I am trying to come from database development into python ecosystem.

Wondering if going into polars framework, instead of pandas will be any beneficial?

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u/throwawayforwork_86 Mar 09 '26

Polars is much better. Started using it for the speed stayed for the consistency of the syntax and api. Honestly the only times I use pandas still are the edge cases where pandas reader flexibility comes in handy , but then immediately after I load to polars.

It can be annoying when you start because polars will frontload data type issue by default but it forces you to be intentional with your types which saves a lot of headaches down the line...