Creating graphs with plotnine (Python’s ggplot2)

In this section, we will explore the powerful capabilities of the plotnine library in Python, which draws inspiration from R’s ggplot2, covered by the R section of this chapter. You will see that (other than accounting for differences in syntax between R and Python) the code and features are extremely similar – plotnine and ggplot2 are truly sister packages.

By the end of this section, you’ll be well versed in generating a wide range of visualizations, customizing every detail, and incorporating additional layers for enhanced clarity.

Understanding the grammar of graphics

Before we dive into creating impressive graphs with plotnine, it’s essential to understand the grammar of graphics. This structured approach to data visualization forms the core of plotnine and enables you to build complex plots by combining data, aesthetics, and geometric objects.

Let’s break down some key concepts...