Project overview
In this project, you’ll assume the role of a data engineer working with a large dataset of loan data from Lending Club. Your challenge is to analyze this data efficiently given memory constraints. You’ll apply techniques to optimize the DataFrame’s memory usage and process the data in chunks.
Throughout the project, you’ll use Python and pandas to explore the data, identify opportunities to reduce memory usage, and implement changes like converting data types and using categories. You’ll calculate memory usage to quantify improvements. This project lets you apply key data engineering skills to solve a realistic, large-scale data challenge.
Objective: Efficiently analyze a large loan dataset by optimizing DataFrame memory usage and processing the data in chunks using Python and pandas.
Key skill required
To complete this project, it's recommended to build these foundational skills in Python
- Reading CSV data into pandas DataFrames for analysis
- Filtering DataFrame rows using Boolean masks and selecting columns
- Adding new calculated columns to pandas DataFrames
- Downcasting DataFrame data types to optimize memory usage
Projects steps
Step 1: Introduction
Step 2: Exploring the Data in Chunks
Step 3: Optimizing String Columns
Step 4: Optimizing Numeric Columns
Step 5: Next Steps
Master skills faster with Dataquest
Go from zero to job-ready
Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.
Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
Challenge yourself with exercises
Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
Showcase your path certification
Share the evidence of your hard work with your network and potential employers.
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
Recommended projects
Free
Investigating Fandango Movie Ratings
Practice using R to analyze movie ratings data, compare 2015 vs 2016 ratings, and apply sampling and distributions to investigate bias.
R
Intermediate
8 steps
Free
NYC Schools Perceptions
Practice data cleaning, analysis, and visualization in R to explore survey data and showcase your skills with R Notebooks.
R
Beginner
3 steps
Free
Investigative Statistical Analysis – Analyzing Accuracy in Data Presentation
Practice statistical analysis in Python to investigate movie rating bias and determine if Fandango inflated ratings.
Python
Intermediate
8 steps
Free
Building Fast Queries on a CSV
Practice implementing an inventory system for a laptop store using Python classes, dictionaries, and binary search.
Python
Intermediate
10 steps
Free
Garden Simulator Text Based Game
Practice using OOP, error handling, and randomness in Python to create an interactive gardening game simulator.
Python
Beginner
11 steps
Free
Predicting Heart Disease
Practice building a K Nearest Neighbors classifier in Python to predict heart disease risk from patient data.
Python
Intermediate
10 steps
Free
Word Raider
Practice using Python variables, lists, loops, conditionals, and file handling to build an interactive word-guessing game.
Python
Beginner
11 steps
Free
Predicting Condominium Sale Prices
Practice using linear regression in R to predict condominium sale prices based on size and location in New York City.
R
Intermediate
8 steps
Free
Kaggle Data Science Survey
Practice analyzing survey data in Python to uncover insights about data science careers and skills.
Python
Beginner
8 steps
Grow your career with
Dataquest.
98%
of learners recommend
Dataquest for career advancement
4.85
Dataquest rating
SwitchUp Best Bootcamps
$30k
Average salary boost
for learners who complete a path
Join 1M+ data learners on
Dataquest.
1
Create a free account
2
Choose a learning path
3
Complete exercises and projects
4