xlrd xlwt vs openpyxl

Developers should learn xlrd and xlwt when working with Excel files in Python, especially for legacy systems or projects that require compatibility with older 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 xlwt

Nice Pick

Developers should learn xlrd and xlwt when working with Excel files in Python, especially for legacy systems or projects that require compatibility with older

Pros

• xls formats
• Related to: python, openpyxl

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 xlwt if: You want xls formats 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 xlwt offers.

The Bottom Line

xlrd xlwt wins

Developers should learn xlrd and xlwt when working with Excel files in Python, especially for legacy systems or projects that require compatibility with older