Report generation (notebooks to HTML/PDF) in Data Analysis Python - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

❓ Predict Output

intermediate

What is the output of this nbconvert command?

Given a Jupyter notebook file named analysis.ipynb, what will be the result of running this command in the terminal?

jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb

A Converts the notebook to a PDF file named <code>analysis.pdf</code> using LaTeX.

B Runs the notebook and saves the output cells back into <code>analysis.ipynb</code>.

C Generates an HTML file named <code>analysis.html</code> with the notebook content rendered as a webpage.

D Starts a Jupyter server and opens <code>analysis.ipynb</code> in a browser.

💡 Hint

The --to option specifies the output format for nbconvert.

The command jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb converts the notebook into an HTML file named analysis.html. It does not produce PDF or run the notebook.

❓ data_output

intermediate

What file is created by this nbconvert command?

You run this command:

jupyter nbconvert --to pdf report.ipynb

What is the expected output file?

A A PDF file named <code>report.pdf</code> generated from the notebook.

B An HTML file named <code>report.html</code> generated from the notebook.

C A Python script named <code>report.py</code> extracted from the notebook.

D No file is created; this command only checks the notebook syntax.

💡 Hint

The --to pdf option converts the notebook to PDF format.

The --to pdf option tells nbconvert to create a PDF file from the notebook. The output file has the same base name but with .pdf extension.

🔧 Debug

advanced

Why does this nbconvert PDF conversion fail?

You run:

jupyter nbconvert --to pdf data_analysis.ipynb

But get an error about missing LaTeX installation. What is the cause?

A The system does not have a LaTeX distribution installed, which is required for PDF conversion.

B The notebook file <code>data_analysis.ipynb</code> is corrupted and cannot be read.

C The <code>--to pdf</code> option is deprecated and no longer supported.

D The command requires internet connection to convert to PDF.

💡 Hint

PDF conversion via nbconvert uses LaTeX under the hood.

Nbconvert converts notebooks to PDF by first converting to LaTeX and then compiling it. Without a LaTeX distribution installed (like TeX Live or MiKTeX), this process fails.

🚀 Application

advanced

How to automate report generation from notebooks?

You want to automatically convert multiple Jupyter notebooks in a folder to HTML reports every day. Which approach is best?

A Rename all notebooks to <code>.html</code> extension and open them in a browser.

B Manually open each notebook and export to HTML using the Jupyter interface.

C Use <code>jupyter notebook</code> command with <code>--to html</code> option to start a server that auto-converts notebooks.

D Write a Python script that uses <code>nbconvert</code> API to convert all notebooks and schedule it with a cron job.

💡 Hint

Automation requires scripting and scheduling.

Using the nbconvert Python API in a script allows batch conversion. Scheduling with cron or task scheduler automates daily runs. Manual or renaming approaches do not automate.

🧠 Conceptual

expert

What is a key limitation of nbconvert PDF export?

Which of these is a common limitation when converting Jupyter notebooks to PDF using nbconvert?

A The PDF output always includes the notebook's source code hidden by default.

B Complex notebook outputs like interactive widgets or JavaScript do not render in the PDF.

C Nbconvert requires an internet connection to convert notebooks to PDF.

D PDF conversion automatically removes all markdown cells.

💡 Hint

Think about static vs interactive content.

PDF is a static format. Interactive elements like widgets or JavaScript cannot be rendered in PDF output. Nbconvert includes source code by default but can be configured. Internet is not required. Markdown cells are included.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of using jupyter nbconvert in data science?

easy

A. To convert Jupyter notebooks into HTML or PDF reports for easy sharing

B. To run Python code faster inside notebooks

C. To create new Jupyter notebooks automatically

D. To debug errors in Python code within notebooks

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function of nbconvert

   jupyter nbconvert is a tool that converts notebooks into other formats like HTML or PDF.

2. Step 2: Identify the main benefit

   Converting notebooks to HTML or PDF helps share results with people who don't use Jupyter notebooks.

3. Final Answer:

   To convert Jupyter notebooks into HTML or PDF reports for easy sharing -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   nbconvert purpose = convert notebooks to shareable reports [OK]

Hint: Remember nbconvert = notebook to report file [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking nbconvert runs code faster
• Confusing nbconvert with notebook creation
• Assuming nbconvert is for debugging

2. Which of the following is the correct command to convert a notebook named analysis.ipynb to an HTML file using the terminal?

easy

A. jupyter convert --to html analysis.ipynb

B. jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb

C. nbconvert --convert html analysis.ipynb

D. jupyter nbconvert analysis.ipynb --html

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the correct nbconvert syntax

   The correct command uses jupyter nbconvert --to html filename.ipynb.

2. Step 2: Match the command to options

   jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb matches the correct syntax exactly.

3. Final Answer:

   jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Correct nbconvert syntax = jupyter nbconvert --to html analysis.ipynb [OK]

Hint: Use '--to html' right after nbconvert [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using 'jupyter convert' instead of 'jupyter nbconvert'
• Placing options in wrong order
• Using '--html' instead of '--to html'

3. Consider this Python code snippet to convert a notebook to PDF programmatically:

import os
os.system('jupyter nbconvert --to pdf report.ipynb')

What will be the output after running this code if report.ipynb exists and conversion succeeds?

medium

A. Nothing happens; the command runs silently without output

B. The notebook report.ipynb is deleted

C. An error message about missing PDF converter appears

D. A PDF file named report.pdf is created in the current directory

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand os.system command

   The command runs jupyter nbconvert --to pdf report.ipynb in the terminal from Python.

2. Step 2: Know nbconvert PDF output behavior

   If the notebook exists and conversion works, a PDF file report.pdf is created in the same folder.

3. Final Answer:

   A PDF file named report.pdf is created in the current directory -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   nbconvert PDF output = report.pdf file created [OK]

Hint: nbconvert creates output file with same base name [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking the notebook file is deleted
• Expecting no output file
• Assuming error without checking converter installation

4. You run this command in terminal:
jupyter nbconvert --to pdf my_notebook.ipynb
but get an error saying PDF conversion failed: 'xelatex' not found.
What is the most likely fix?

medium

A. Install a LaTeX distribution like TeX Live or MiKTeX on your system

B. Rename the notebook file to have a .pdf extension

C. Run the command with --to html instead of pdf

D. Update Jupyter to the latest version

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the error message

   The error says xelatex is missing, which is a LaTeX tool needed for PDF conversion.

2. Step 2: Identify the fix

   Installing a LaTeX distribution like TeX Live or MiKTeX provides xelatex and fixes the error.

3. Final Answer:

   Install a LaTeX distribution like TeX Live or MiKTeX on your system -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Missing xelatex = install LaTeX distribution [OK]

Hint: PDF needs LaTeX; install it if missing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Renaming files instead of installing LaTeX
• Switching to HTML without reason
• Assuming Jupyter update fixes LaTeX errors

5. You want to automate generating HTML reports from multiple notebooks in a folder using Python. Which code snippet correctly converts all .ipynb files to HTML?

hard

A. import os
for file in os.listdir():
os.system(f'jupyter nbconvert --to html "{file}"')

B. import os
for file in os.listdir():
if file.endswith('.html'):
os.system(f'jupyter nbconvert --to ipynb "{file}"')

C. import os
for file in os.listdir():
if file.endswith('.ipynb'):
os.system(f'jupyter nbconvert --to html "{file}"')

D. import os
for file in os.listdir():
if file.endswith('.ipynb'):
os.system(f'jupyter convert --to html "{file}"')

Solution

1. Step 1: Filter files with .ipynb extension

   We want to convert only notebook files, so check if filename ends with '.ipynb'.

2. Step 2: Use correct nbconvert command inside loop

   Use jupyter nbconvert --to html "{file}" to convert each notebook to HTML.

3. Final Answer:

   import os for file in os.listdir(): if file.endswith('.ipynb'): os.system(f'jupyter nbconvert --to html "{file}"') -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Filter .ipynb and run nbconvert to html [OK]

Hint: Check file extension before converting [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to convert .html files instead of .ipynb
• Missing file extension check causing errors
• Using wrong command 'jupyter convert' instead of 'nbconvert'