Open-Source Python Excel Reader Library

What is XLRD API?

XLRD is a lightweight and efficient open-source Python library designed for reading data from Excel files. It supports both the older XLS format and the newer XLSX format, making it a versatile tool for extracting data from spreadsheets. XLRD is particularly useful for developers who need to process Excel files programmatically, such as for data analysis, reporting, or automation tasks. While XLRD is primarily focused on reading Excel files, it can be combined with other libraries like XLWT or Openpyxl for editing and writing capabilities. Its simple and intuitive API makes it easy to integrate into Python applications.

XLRD API Features

Here are some of the key features of the XLRD API:

• Read Excel Files: XLRD can read both XLS and XLSX file formats, making it compatible with a wide range of Excel files.
• Extract Data: Easily extract data from cells, rows, and columns in Excel sheets.
• Sheet Management: Access and navigate through multiple sheets in an Excel workbook.
• Data Types: Supports various data types, including text, numbers, dates, and formulas.
• Lightweight: XLRD is a lightweight library with minimal dependencies, making it easy to install and use.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with other Python libraries like XLWT and Openpyxl for extended functionality.

Supported File Formats by XLRD

XLRD supports the following file formats:

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Getting Started with XLRD

You can install the XLRD library using pip. Here’s how to get started:

Installation

Install XLRD using the following pip command:

pip install xlrd

XLRD Python Code Examples

Example 1: Reading an Excel File

This example demonstrates how to open an Excel file and read data from a specific sheet.

import xlrd

# Open the Excel file
workbook = xlrd.open_workbook("example.xls")

# Select the first sheet
sheet = workbook.sheet_by_index(0)

# Read data from a specific cell
cell_value = sheet.cell_value(0, 0)  # Row 0, Column 0
print("Cell Value:", cell_value)

Example 2: Iterating Through Rows

This example shows how to iterate through all rows in a sheet and print their values.

import xlrd

# Open the Excel file
workbook = xlrd.open_workbook("example.xls")
sheet = workbook.sheet_by_index(0)

# Iterate through all rows
for row_index in range(sheet.nrows):
    row = sheet.row_values(row_index)
    print(f"Row {row_index}: {row}")

Example 3: Extracting Data from Multiple Sheets

This example demonstrates how to extract data from multiple sheets in an Excel file.

import xlrd

# Open the Excel file
workbook = xlrd.open_workbook("example.xls")

# Iterate through all sheets
for sheet_name in workbook.sheet_names():
    sheet = workbook.sheet_by_name(sheet_name)
    print(f"Sheet Name: {sheet_name}")
    
    # Print the first row of each sheet
    first_row = sheet.row_values(0)
    print("First Row:", first_row)

Resources

• XLRD Documentation
• XLRD GitHub Repository

Conclusion

XLRD is a powerful and lightweight Python library for reading and extracting data from Excel files. Its simplicity and compatibility with both XLS and XLSX formats make it an excellent choice for developers working with Excel data. Whether you're analyzing data, automating reports, or integrating Excel file processing into your applications, XLRD provides the tools you need to get the job done efficiently. Combine it with other libraries like XLWT or Openpyxl for extended functionality, and you'll have a complete solution for working with Excel files in Python.

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