Create a new pandas dataframe from a python list of lists with a column with lists

Question

I have a python list of lists, e.g. [["chunky","bacon","foxes"],["dr_cham"],["organ","instructor"],...] and would like to create a pandas dataframe with one column containing the lists:

 0 ["chunky","bacon","foxes"] 
 1 ["dr_cham"] 
 2 ["organ","instructor"] .
 . .

The std constructor (l is the list here)

pd.DataFrame(l)

returns a dataframe with 3 columns in that case.

How would this work? I'm sure it's very simple, but I'm searching for a solution since a while and can't figure it out for some obscure reason.

Thanks, B.

In connection with the name of your list, you might wanna read this. — jjj
– jjj, Commented Mar 28, 2018 at 18:48

Peter Dolan · Accepted Answer · 2018-03-28 22:44:51Z

2

The following code should achieve what you want:

import pandas as pd

l = [["hello", "goodbye"], ["cat", "dog"]]

# Replace "lists" with whatever you want to name the column
df = pd.DataFrame({"lists": l})

After printing df, we get

              lists
0  [hello, goodbye]
1        [cat, dog]

Hope this helps -- let me know if I can clarify anything!

edited Mar 28, 2018 at 22:44

answered Mar 28, 2018 at 18:41

Peter Dolan

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6 Comments

max Over a year ago

I agree, using a dictionary is the best approach.

bojax Over a year ago

thanks a million, that was exactly what i was looking for!

Peter Dolan Over a year ago

Happy to help @user3379621!

Rahul Over a year ago

How do I create a Pandas df where all the elements of the lists are in separate columns as well? @PeterDolan For example from the OP's original question itself, I'd want hello in column 1 and goodbye in column 2. For the second row, cat in column 1, and dog in column 2

Rahul Over a year ago

I did, @Peter Dolan and I have got a satisfactory answer. Cheers!

|

sjw · Accepted Answer · 2018-03-28 18:42:07Z

1

This pattern is rarely if ever a good idea and defeats the purpose of Pandas, but if you have some unusual use case that requires it, you can achieve it by further nesting your inner lists an additional level in your main list, then creating a DataFrame from that:

l = [[x] for x in l]
df = pd.DataFrame(l)

                        0
0  [chunky, bacon, foxes]
1               [dr_cham]
2     [organ, instructor]

answered Mar 28, 2018 at 18:42

sjw

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1 Comment

bojax Over a year ago

I know, but it's a very specific problem.

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