The escalating volume and intricacy of enterprise data, coupled with its pivotal role in decision-making and strategic planning, are compelling organizations to invest in the requisite people, processes, and technologies for extracting valuable business insights from their data assets. This investment encompasses a diverse array of tools commonly employed in data science applications.
As per an annual survey carried out by Wavestone’s NewVantage Partners division, a consulting business, a notable 87.8% of chief data officers and other IT and business executives from 116 large organizations reported an increase in their investments in data and analytics initiatives, including data science programs, in 2022. Looking forward, an equally impressive 83.9% anticipate further increases in 2023, underscoring the sustained commitment to data-driven strategies despite prevailing economic conditions.
The survey revealed that a substantial 91.9% of the respondent organizations derived measurable business value from their data and analytics investments in 2022, with a confident 98.2% expecting positive returns on their planned spending in 2023. While strategic analytics goals are actively pursued, the survey indicates that only 40.8% of organizations are currently competing on data and analytics, and merely 23.9% have successfully established a fully data-driven organization.
As data science teams strategically assemble portfolios of enabling technologies to advance their analytics goals, they are presented with a diverse selection of tools and platforms. The following is an overview of 18 leading data science tools, listed alphabetically, providing insights into their features, capabilities, and potential limitations.
Data Science Tools
Apache Spark
Apache Spark stands out as an open-source data processing and analytics engine renowned for its capability to handle substantial volumes of data, reaching up to several petabytes according to advocates. Since its inception in 2009, Spark’s rapid data processing prowess has fueled its widespread adoption, contributing to the emergence of the Spark project as one of the largest open source communities in the realm of big data technologies.
Primarily recognized for its speed, Spark excels in applications requiring continuous intelligence, leveraging near-real-time processing of streaming data. Beyond this, its status as a general-purpose distributed processing engine makes it well-suited for a spectrum of use cases, including extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes and various SQL batch jobs. Originally positioned as a faster alternative to the MapReduce engine for batch processing within Hadoop clusters, Spark’s versatility extends beyond its initial scope.
While frequently used in conjunction with Hadoop, Spark is also capable of running independently against diverse file systems and data stores. Its robust features encompass an extensive array of developer libraries and APIs, inclusive of a dedicated machine learning library. Moreover, Spark supports key programming languages, enhancing accessibility for data scientists and facilitating swift utilization of the platform for diverse analytical tasks. For individuals aiming to delve into the field of data science and explore tools like Spark, considering enrolling in a reputable Data Science Course in Chennai can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. With the help of this training opportunity, people will be able to apply machine learning and data analysis technologies like Spark. contributing to their proficiency in the dynamic field of data science and analytics.
D3.js
D3.js, also known simply as D3, is an open-source JavaScript library designed for crafting custom data visualizations directly within web browsers. The acronym stands for Data-Driven Documents, reflecting its core philosophy of utilizing web standards, including HTML, Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), and CSS, instead of introducing a proprietary graphical vocabulary. Positioning itself as a dynamic and flexible tool, D3 emphasizes ease of use, enabling users to generate visual representations of data with minimal effort.
Released in 2011, D3.js empowers visualization designers to bind data to documents through the Document Object Model (DOM) and employ DOM manipulation methods for data-driven transformations. The library supports a diverse range of data visualizations, offering features like interaction, animation, annotation, and quantitative analysis.
D3 boasts over 30 modules and an extensive array of more than 1,000 visualization methods, making it a comprehensive yet intricate tool. Its complexity, coupled with the fact that many data scientists may lack JavaScript proficiency, results in D3 being more commonly utilized by data visualization developers and specialists within data science teams. Commercial visualization tools like Tableau may be favored by data scientists who seek a more accessible solution without requiring extensive JavaScript skills.
IBM SPSS
IBM SPSS is a comprehensive software family designed for the management and analysis of intricate statistical data. The family comprises two primary products: SPSS Statistics, a tool for statistical analysis, data visualization, and reporting; and SPSS Modeler, a platform for data science and predictive analytics featuring a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and machine learning capabilities.
SPSS Statistics encompasses the entire analytics process, from planning to model deployment. It empowers users to clarify relationships between variables, create data point clusters, identify trends, and make predictions. The software supports common structured data types and offers a versatile combination of a menu-driven user interface (UI), a proprietary command syntax, and the ability to integrate R and Python extensions. Additional features include automation capabilities and import-export functionalities that integrate with SPSS Modeler.
Originally developed by SPSS Inc. in 1968 under the name Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, the statistical analysis software was acquired by IBM in 2009, along with the predictive modeling platform, which SPSS had previously acquired. Although the product family is officially named IBM SPSS, the software is commonly referred to simply as SPSS.
Julia
Julia is an open-source programming language specifically designed for numerical computing, machine learning, and various data science applications. Its creation was announced in a 2012 blog post by its four creators, who aimed to develop a single language capable of addressing a broad spectrum of needs. The primary objective was to eliminate the need for writing programs in one language and then converting them to another for execution.
Julia stands out by combining the convenience of a high-level dynamic language with performance levels comparable to statically typed languages like C and Java. Notably, users are not required to define data types in their programs, although an option is available for those who wish to do so. The language employs a multiple dispatch approach at runtime, contributing to enhanced execution speed.
After nine years of development, Julia 1.0 was released in 2018, with subsequent updates leading to the latest version, 1.9.4. The language’s documentation acknowledges that, due to differences in its compiler compared to interpreters in data science languages like Python and R, new users may find Julia’s performance initially unintuitive. However, the documentation asserts that once users understand how Julia works, they can easily write code that approaches the speed of C. The language continues to evolve, with a 1.10 update available for release candidate testing.
Jupyter Notebook
Jupyter Notebook, an open-source web application, serves as a collaborative platform for interactive engagement among data scientists, data engineers, mathematicians, researchers, and other users. Functioning as a computational notebook tool, it facilitates the creation, editing, and sharing of code, explanatory text, images, and additional information. Users can seamlessly integrate software code, computations, comments, data visualizations, and rich media representations of computation results into a single document known as a notebook, which can be easily shared and collaboratively revised.
Jupyter notebooks are described in the documentation as a comprehensive computational record, capturing interactive sessions within data science teams. These notebooks are stored as JSON files, offering version control capabilities. Moreover, a Notebook Viewer service allows rendering as static webpages, enabling viewing by users who may not have Jupyter installed on their systems.
Originally rooted in the Python programming language, Jupyter Notebook was initially part of the IPython interactive toolkit open source project before becoming an independent entity in 2014. The name “Jupyter” is derived from the combination of Julia, Python, and R, reflecting its initial language support.
Over time, Jupyter has expanded to include modular kernels for dozens of languages. The broader Jupyter project also encompasses JupyterLab, a more recent web-based user interface that is both flexible and extensible compared to the original interface. For individuals aspiring to delve into the field of data science and explore tools like Jupyter, considering enrolling in a reputable Data Science Course in Bangalore can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. This educational opportunity equips individuals with the knowledge to effectively use tools like Jupyter for data analysis and exploration, contributing to their proficiency in the dynamic field of data science and programming.
Keras
Keras serves as a programming interface that enhances the accessibility and utilization of the TensorFlow machine learning platform for data scientists. Operating as an open-source deep learning API and framework, Keras is written in Python and operates on top of TensorFlow, seamlessly integrated into the platform. Notably, Keras was initially compatible with multiple backends but transitioned to exclusive integration with TensorFlow starting from its 2.4.0 release in June 2020.
Positioned as a high-level API, Keras is crafted to facilitate easy and rapid experimentation, minimizing the coding effort required compared to other deep learning alternatives. The primary objective is to expedite the implementation of machine learning models, particularly deep learning neural networks, by emphasizing a development process characterized by “high iteration velocity,” according to the Keras documentation.
The framework offers a sequential interface for constructing relatively simple linear stacks of layers with defined inputs and outputs. Additionally, Keras provides a functional API for constructing more intricate graphs of layers or creating deep learning models from the ground up. Keras models are versatile, capable of running on both CPUs and GPUs, and can be deployed across various platforms, including web browsers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
Matlab
Matlab, developed and distributed by software vendor MathWorks since 1984, stands as a high-level programming language and analytics environment specializing in numerical computing, mathematical modeling, and data visualization. Predominantly utilized by traditional engineers and scientists, Matlab serves as a tool for analyzing data, designing algorithms, and developing embedded systems across various applications, such as wireless communications, industrial control, and signal processing. Often paired with the Simulink tool, Matlab offers model-based design and simulation capabilities.
While Matlab is not as extensively employed in data science as languages like Python, R, and Julia, it supports a range of data science applications, including machine learning, deep learning, predictive modeling, big data analytics, and computer vision. The platform is equipped with data types and high-level functions that expedite exploratory data analysis and data preparation in analytics workflows.
Recognized for its user-friendly nature, Matlab, short for matrix laboratory, provides prebuilt applications while also allowing users to create their own. The software features a library of add-on toolboxes with discipline-specific functionality and an extensive collection of built-in functions. These functions include capabilities for visualizing data through 2D and 3D plots, contributing to the platform’s versatility across a spectrum of analytical tasks.
Matplotlib
Matplotlib stands as an open-source Python plotting library designed for reading, importing, and visualizing data in analytics applications. Widely employed by data scientists and users alike, Matplotlib facilitates the creation of static, animated, and interactive data visualizations. Users can seamlessly integrate Matplotlib into Python scripts, the Python and IPython shells, Jupyter Notebook, web application servers, and various GUI toolkits.
The library’s expansive code base may pose a challenge to master, but it is organized hierarchically to empower users to construct visualizations predominantly using high-level commands. At the top of this hierarchy is pyplot, a module that furnishes a “state-machine environment” and a collection of straightforward plotting functions akin to those in Matlab.
Matplotlib, initially released in 2003, incorporates an object-oriented interface that can be utilized in conjunction with pyplot or independently. It supports low-level commands for intricate data plotting, enabling users to tailor visualizations to their specific needs. While the library primarily focuses on crafting 2D visualizations, it includes an add-on toolkit that extends functionality to encompass 3D plotting features. For individuals looking to enhance their Python skills and delve into libraries like Matplotlib, considering enrolling in a reputable Python Training in Coimbatore can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. This educational opportunity equips individuals with the knowledge to effectively utilize Python libraries for data visualization and analysis, contributing to their proficiency in the dynamic field of programming and data science.
NumPy
NumPy, short for Numerical Python, is an open-source Python library extensively utilized in scientific computing, engineering, data science, and machine learning applications. This library is characterized by multidimensional array objects and a set of routines designed for processing these arrays, enabling diverse mathematical and logical functions. Additionally, NumPy supports operations related to linear algebra, random number generation, and other mathematical operations.
A fundamental component of NumPy is the N-dimensional array, or ndarray, representing a collection of items that share the same type and size. Associated with the ndarray is a data-type object describing the format of the data elements within the array. Multiple ndarrays can share the same data, allowing changes made in one array to be reflected in another.
NumPy originated in 2006 through the amalgamation and modification of elements from two earlier libraries. Regarded as “the universal standard for working with numerical data in Python,” according to the NumPy website, it is widely recognized as one of the most valuable Python libraries due to its extensive set of built-in functions. Notably, NumPy is acknowledged for its speed, a result of optimized C code at its core. Additionally, various other Python libraries are built on top of NumPy, further underscoring its importance in the Python ecosystem.
Pandas
Pandas, another prominent open-source Python library, is primarily employed for data analysis and manipulation tasks. Established on the foundation of NumPy, pandas introduces two central data structures: the Series, a one-dimensional array, and the DataFrame, a two-dimensional structure designed for data manipulation with integrated indexing. Both structures can accept data from NumPy ndarrays and other sources, with a DataFrame having the capability to incorporate multiple Series objects.
Debuting in 2008, pandas comes equipped with built-in data visualization functionalities, exploratory data analysis tools, and support for various file formats and languages, including CSV, SQL, HTML, and JSON. The library provides functions like data aggregation and transformation, flexible reshaping and pivoting of data sets, intelligent data alignment, integrated handling of missing data, along with the ability to efficiently merge and join data sets, as highlighted on the pandas website.
The developers of pandas aim to position it as “the fundamental high-level building block for doing practical, real-world data analysis in Python.” To optimize performance, key code paths in pandas are implemented in C or the Cython superset of Python. The library is adaptable, containing tabular, time series, and labelled matrix data sets, among other forms of analytical and statistical data.
Python
Python stands as the predominant programming language for data science and machine learning, ranking among the most popular languages globally.Declared as a “interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics,” Python is an open source project.” Python boasts built-in data structures, dynamic typing, and binding capabilities. Its website highlights Python’s simple syntax, emphasizing its ease of learning and readability, which ultimately reduces the cost of program maintenance.
Python is a versatile language applicable to an extensive array of tasks, encompassing data analysis, data visualization, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and the development of web, mobile, and desktop applications. Beyond supporting object-oriented programming, Python accommodates procedural, functional, and other programming paradigms, with the ability to incorporate extensions written in C or C++.
Widely adopted not only by data scientists and programmers but also by professionals outside computing disciplines, Python attracts individuals ranging from accountants to mathematicians and scientists, owing to its user-friendly characteristics. Python is available in two versions: 2.x and 3.x. Support for the 2.x version will end in 2020.. For individuals seeking to harness the power of Python for data analysis and exploration, considering enrolling in a reputable Data Analytics Course in Chennai can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. This training programme helps people become more proficient in the ever-evolving field of data analytics by teaching them how to use Python for data-centric tasks.
PyTorch
The open-source PyTorch framework is well-known for building and refining neural network-based deep learning models., is celebrated for its adept support of swift and flexible experimentation, alongside a seamless transition to production deployment. In comparison to its predecessor, Torch, which relies on the Lua programming language, PyTorch is designed to be more user-friendly, flexible, and faster.
Introduced to the public in 2017, PyTorch utilizes tensor-like structures to encode model inputs, outputs, and parameters. While these tensors resemble the multidimensional arrays supported by NumPy, PyTorch enhances them by incorporating built-in support for running models on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). For processing, NumPy arrays can be easily turned into PyTorch tensors and vice versa.
Comprising various functions and techniques, PyTorch features an automatic differentiation package known as `torch.autograd` and a dedicated module for constructing neural networks. Additionally, it offers TorchServe, a tool for deploying PyTorch models, and extends its deployment support to iOS and Android devices. Alongside its primary Python API, PyTorch presents a C++ interface that can function as a standalone front-end or be utilized for crafting extensions to Python applications.
R
The R programming language stands as an open-source environment tailored for statistical computing, graphics applications, and comprehensive data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. Embraced by data scientists, academic researchers, and statisticians alike, R has evolved into one of the most widely used languages in the fields of data science and advanced analytics.
Championed by The R Foundation, the open-source project benefits from a plethora of user-created packages, containing libraries of code that augment R’s functionality. Notable among these is ggplot2, a renowned package within the tidyverse collection of R-based data science tools celebrated for crafting graphics. Numerous vendors contribute to the R ecosystem by providing integrated development environments and commercial code libraries tailored for R.
An interpreted language akin to Python, R has garnered acclaim for its relative intuitiveness. Originating in the 1990s, R emerged as an alternative iteration of S, a statistical programming language developed in the 1970s. The name “R” cleverly pays homage to S, incorporating a playful reference to the first letter of its creators’ names. For those who want to learn more about programming languages like Python and advance their skills, consider enrolling in a reputable Python Course in Pondicherry can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. This course gives participants the skills necessary to handle the complexities of Python programming., enhancing their capabilities in the dynamic field of coding and data analysis.
