Numerical Computing with Python

Selecting Subsets of Data

Every dimension of data in a Series or DataFrame is labeled through an Index object. It is this Index that separates pandas data structures from NumPy's n-dimensional array. Indexes provide meaningful labels for each row and column of data, and pandas users have the ability to select data through the use of these labels. Additionally, pandas allow its users to select data by the integer location of the rows and columns. This dual selection capability, one using labels and the other using integer location, makes for powerful yet confusing syntax to select subsets of data.

Selecting data through the use of labels or integer location is not unique to pandas. Python dictionaries and lists are built-in data structures ...