Lisa Reiber

“The projects helped me apply what I learned and understand how to tackle all the little things that come along in real life.”



Lisa Reiber

Data Analyst

Project overview

In this project, you’ll take on the role of a data analyst to explore and analyze a dataset from Hacker News, a popular tech-focused community site. You’ll apply your Python skills in string handling, object-oriented programming, and date management to uncover trends in user submissions. By analyzing how these factors relate to post popularity, you’ll develop insights on what drives engagement in this online community.

This practical project will strengthen your ability to interpret complex real-world datasets and enhance your data analysis skills. If you’re new to Jupyter Notebook or need a refresher, our Jupyter Notebook Guided Project can help you get set up.

Objective: Use your Python string handling, OOP, and date management skills to analyze Hacker News submissions, identifying key factors that contribute to post popularity and strengthening your analytical capabilities for real-world applications.

Key skill required

To complete this project, it's recommended to build these foundational skills in Python

  • Employing loops in Python to explore CSV data
  • Utilizing string methods in Python to clean data for analysis
  • Processing dates from strings using the datetime library
  • Formatting dates and times for analysis using strftime

Projects steps

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: Removing Headers from a List of Lists

Step 3: Extracting Ask HN and Show HN Posts

Step 4: Calculating the Average Number of Comments for Ask HN and Show HN Posts

Step 5: Finding the Number of Ask Posts and Comments by Hour Created

Step 6: Calculating the Average Number of Comments for Ask HN Posts by Hour

Step 7: Sorting and Printing Values from a List of Lists

Step 8: Next Steps

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