Xlrd vs openpyxl

Developers should learn Xlrd when working with legacy Excel meets developers should learn openpyxl when they need to automate excel file processing in python applications, such as generating reports, importing/exporting data, or manipulating spreadsheet data programmatically. Here's our take.

Xlrd

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Xlrd when working with legacy Excel

Pros

• xls files in Python, as it provides a simple and efficient way to parse spreadsheet data without requiring Microsoft Excel
• Related to: python, pandas

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

openpyxl

Developers should learn openpyxl when they need to automate Excel file processing in Python applications, such as generating reports, importing/exporting data, or manipulating spreadsheet data programmatically

Pros

• It is particularly useful in data analysis, financial applications, and business automation where Excel files are commonly used for data exchange and storage, offering a pure Python solution without external dependencies like COM interfaces
• Related to: python, pandas

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Xlrd if: You want xls files in python, as it provides a simple and efficient way to parse spreadsheet data without requiring microsoft excel and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use openpyxl if: You prioritize it is particularly useful in data analysis, financial applications, and business automation where excel files are commonly used for data exchange and storage, offering a pure python solution without external dependencies like com interfaces over what Xlrd offers.

The Bottom Line

Xlrd wins

Developers should learn Xlrd when working with legacy Excel