How to remove index from a created Dataframe in Python?

Question

I have created a Dataframe df by merging 2 lists using the following command:

import pandas as pd
df=pd.DataFrame({'Name' : list1,'Probability' : list2})

But I'd like to remove the first column (The index column) and make the column called Name the first column. I tried using del df['index'] and index_col=0. But they didn't work. I also checked reset_index() and that is not what I need. I would like to completely remove the whole index column from a Dataframe that has been created like this (As mentioned above). Someone please help!

Answer 1

You can use set_index, docs:

import pandas as pd

list1 = [1,2]
list2 = [2,5]
df=pd.DataFrame({'Name' : list1,'Probability' : list2})
print (df)
   Name  Probability
0     1            2
1     2            5

df.set_index('Name', inplace=True)
print (df)
      Probability
Name             
1               2
2               5

If you need also remove index name:

df.set_index('Name', inplace=True)
#pandas 0.18.0 and higher
df = df.rename_axis(None)
#pandas bellow 0.18.0
#df.index.name = None
print (df)
   Probability
1            2
2            5

Answer 2

If you want to save your dataframe to a spreadsheet for a report.. it is possible to format the dataframe to eliminate the index column using xlsxwriter.

writer = pd.ExcelWriter("Probability" + ".xlsx", engine='xlsxwriter')

df.to_excel(writer, sheet_name='Probability', startrow=3, startcol=0, index=False)

writer.save()

index=False will then save your dataframe without the index column.

I use this all the time when building reports from my dataframes.

Answer 3

I think the best way is to hide the index using the hide_index method

df = df.style.hide_index()

this will hide the index from the dataframe.