str.split() for splitting in Pandas - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the str.split() method do in pandas?

It splits each string in a pandas Series or DataFrame column into parts based on a separator, returning a list or expanding into multiple columns.

beginner

How do you split a pandas Series column into multiple columns using str.split()?

Use str.split(pat, expand=True). The expand=True makes the split parts become separate columns.

beginner

What is the default separator for str.split() in pandas?

The default separator is any whitespace (spaces, tabs, newlines).

intermediate

How can you limit the number of splits when using str.split()?

Use the n parameter to specify the maximum number of splits to do from the left.

beginner

What happens if you use str.split() without expand=True?

The result is a Series of lists, where each list contains the split parts of the original string.

What does expand=True do in str.split()?

A Removes whitespace

B Limits the number of splits

C Returns split parts as separate columns

D Changes the separator

expand=True makes the split parts become separate columns in the DataFrame.

What is the default separator used by str.split() in pandas?

A Whitespace

B Comma (",")

C Semicolon (";")

D No separator

The default separator is any whitespace like spaces or tabs.

If you want to split a string only once from the left, which parameter do you use?

A count=1

B maxsplit=1

C limit=1

D n=1

The n parameter limits the number of splits from the left.

What type of object does str.split() return by default?

A Series of lists

B DataFrame

C List

D Dictionary

By default, it returns a Series where each element is a list of split parts.

Which of these is a correct way to split a pandas Series column named 'Name' by comma and expand into columns?

A df.str.split('Name', ',', expand=True)

B df['Name'].str.split(',', expand=True)

C df['Name'].split(',', expand=True)

D df['Name'].split(',')

The correct syntax is df['Name'].str.split(',', expand=True).

Explain how to split a pandas Series column into multiple columns using str.split().

Think about how to turn one column with strings into several columns.

Describe the difference in output when using str.split() with and without expand=True.

Consider the shape and type of the output.