Libraries & Dataset
A barplot shows the relationship between a numeric and a categoric variable.
Let's load the numpy and matplotlib libraries that are necessary to build a barplot. If you're not familiar with matplotlib yet, it is the most widespread library for dataviz in python, and the gallery has a dedicated section on it.
Then, let's build a small dataset.
# Libraries
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
# Create dataset
height = [3, 12, 5, 18, 45]
bars = ('A', 'B', 'C', 'D', 'E')
x_pos = np.arange(len(bars))
Basic barplot
This example shows probably the most basic barplot you can do with python and matplotlib. The bar() function used with the following parameters:
- x : The x coordinates of the bars. (x_pos in the example)
- height : The height(s) of the bars.
# Create bars
plt.bar(x_pos, height)
# Create names on the x-axis
plt.xticks(x_pos, bars)
# Show graphic
plt.show()
Going further
This post explains how to create a basic barplot using matplotlib!
For more examples of how to create or customize your barplots, see the barplot section. You may also be interested in how to custom colors in a barplot.