DuckDB: A Critical Evaluation
Introduction
Introduction
This report focuses on comparing the performance of DuckDB with other widely used database interaction libraries that are part of the Python ecosystem. The experiments include measuring the execution time for uploading a dataset to a database and retrieving data from the database. Libraries with similar capabilities to DuckDB’s, such as SQLite, pyodbc, SQLAlchemy, polars and pandas, were critically evaluated. As the performance of DuckDB and SQLite was similar, we conducted a statistical analysis to investigate further the difference in performance of the two libraries
Key Takeaways
1. A comparison of DuckDB and SQLite Performance
Outperforming polars, pandas, pyodbc, and SQLAlchemy, DuckDB and SQLite were the fastest. DuckDB's superiority, demonstrated by its noticeably faster execution times, was validated by a t-test.
2. Enhanced upload and retrieval speed
Data upload - The average time for DuckDB was 0.4826s, whereas SQLite took 0.6784s. Data retrieval - DuckDB took an average of 0.5631 seconds, while SQLite took 0.7936 seconds. With p-values less than 0.05, statistical validation validated DuckDB's advantage.
3. Trustworthy testing and methodology
100,000 customer records in 12 columns make up the dataset. Computer used for testing: 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB of RAM. Robust statistical approach ensured reliable results.
Conclusion
Our comparison of the performance of database interaction libraries reveals that DuckDB performs significantly faster than the other libraries in terms of uploading datasets to a database and retrieving data from a database.
This document showcases the research efforts undertaken by our Data and Technology Services team to examine new frameworks and Python libraries, with a particular focus on DuckDB. Our decade-long experience with Python programming enables us to provide various technology-related solutions. Acuity’s Data and Technology Services (DTS) practice can significantly enhance the evaluation and implementation of DuckDB by offering expert insights into its integration with existing systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless data management. Our team can assist in customizing DuckDB and various other tools that feature in an organization’s toolchain to meet specific business needs, leveraging its capabilities for efficient data processing and analytics. By having Acuity as a partner, organizations can maximize their returns by ensuring robust data solutions that drive informed decision‑making and innovation.
About the Author
Works as a data Engineer in building and maintaining data pipelines of a data engineering platform for a US based asset management company and provides data science solutions for clients. Holds a BSc (Hons) in Industrial Statistics from the University of Colombo and a BA (Hons) in International Business and Finance from the University of the West of Scotland. Also, a content creator and founding member for Pydata Sri Lanka.
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