📅 Today’s Picks

PySpark Transformations: Python API vs SQL Expressions

Problem

PySpark offers two ways to handle SQL transformations. How do you know which one to use?

Solution

Choose based on your development style and team expertise.

Use the DataFrame API if you’re comfortable with Python and need Python-native development with type safety and autocomplete support.

Use selectExpr() if you’re comfortable with SQL and need familiar SQL patterns and simplified CASE statements.

Both methods deliver the same performance, so pick the approach that fits your workflow.

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