DataFrame objects are analogous to tables in a database: each has a name we refer to it by, is composed of rows, and contains columns of specific data types. Consequently, pandas provides the ability to carry out database-style operations on them. Traditionally, databases support a minimum of four operations, called CRUD:
- Create
- Read
- Update
- Delete
A database query language—most commonly SQL (pronounced sequel or S-Q-L), which stands for Structured Query Language—is used to ask the database to perform these operations. Knowledge of SQL is not required for this book; however, we will look at the SQL equivalent for the pandas operations that are discussed in this section since it may aid the understanding of those familiar with SQL. Many data professionals have some familiarity with basic SQL, so consult the Further reading...
