data-formulator
🪄 Data Formulator is an interactive AI-powered data analysis system makes it easy to connect, explore and visualize data.
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Quick Overview
Data Formulator is an open-source project by Microsoft that aims to simplify the process of creating and managing data schemas for various data formats. It provides a unified approach to define, validate, and transform data structures across different platforms and languages.
Pros
- Streamlines data schema creation and management
- Supports multiple data formats and languages
- Improves data consistency and interoperability
- Reduces development time and potential errors in data handling
Cons
- Limited documentation and examples available
- Still in early development stages
- May require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with schema definition concepts
- Limited community support compared to more established data schema tools
Code Examples
# Define a simple schema
from data_formulator import Schema
user_schema = Schema({
"name": str,
"age": int,
"email": str
})
# Validate data against the schema
valid_user = {"name": "John Doe", "age": 30, "email": "john@example.com"}
user_schema.validate(valid_user) # Returns True
invalid_user = {"name": "Jane Doe", "age": "25", "email": "jane@example.com"}
user_schema.validate(invalid_user) # Raises ValidationError
# Transform data using a schema
from data_formulator import Schema, Transform
transform_schema = Schema({
"full_name": Transform(lambda x: x.upper()),
"age": Transform(lambda x: x * 2)
})
data = {"full_name": "John Doe", "age": 30}
transformed_data = transform_schema.apply(data)
# Result: {"full_name": "JOHN DOE", "age": 60}
# Create a nested schema
nested_schema = Schema({
"user": {
"name": str,
"address": {
"street": str,
"city": str,
"country": str
}
},
"orders": [int]
})
# Validate nested data
nested_data = {
"user": {
"name": "Alice",
"address": {
"street": "123 Main St",
"city": "Anytown",
"country": "USA"
}
},
"orders": [1001, 1002, 1003]
}
nested_schema.validate(nested_data) # Returns True
Getting Started
To get started with Data Formulator, follow these steps:
-
Install the library:
pip install data-formulator -
Import the necessary modules:
from data_formulator import Schema, Transform -
Define your schema:
my_schema = Schema({ "name": str, "age": int, "email": str }) -
Use the schema to validate or transform data:
data = {"name": "Alice", "age": 28, "email": "alice@example.com"} my_schema.validate(data)
For more advanced usage and features, refer to the project's documentation and examples in the GitHub repository.
Competitor Comparisons
🤗 Transformers: the model-definition framework for state-of-the-art machine learning models in text, vision, audio, and multimodal models, for both inference and training.
Pros of transformers
- Extensive library of pre-trained models for various NLP tasks
- Active community and frequent updates
- Comprehensive documentation and examples
Cons of transformers
- Larger library size and potential overhead for simpler projects
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
Code comparison
data-formulator:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
df = DataFormulator()
result = df.generate_data("Create a list of 5 fruits")
print(result)
transformers:
from transformers import pipeline
generator = pipeline('text-generation', model='gpt2')
result = generator("List 5 fruits:", max_length=50)
print(result[0]['generated_text'])
Summary
transformers is a comprehensive library for NLP tasks with a wide range of pre-trained models, while data-formulator focuses on data generation. transformers offers more flexibility and options for various NLP applications, but may be more complex for simple tasks. data-formulator provides a straightforward approach to data generation, which could be beneficial for specific use cases.
DeepSpeed is a deep learning optimization library that makes distributed training and inference easy, efficient, and effective.
Pros of DeepSpeed
- Highly optimized for distributed training of large models
- Supports a wide range of hardware configurations and model architectures
- Extensive documentation and active community support
Cons of DeepSpeed
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- May be overkill for smaller projects or simpler models
- Requires more setup and configuration compared to Data Formulator
Code Comparison
Data Formulator:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
df = DataFormulator()
df.load_data("dataset.csv")
df.preprocess()
df.train_model()
DeepSpeed:
import deepspeed
import torch
model = MyModel()
engine = deepspeed.initialize(model=model, config_params=ds_config)
for batch in dataloader:
loss = engine(batch)
engine.backward(loss)
engine.step()
Key Differences
- Data Formulator focuses on simplifying data preprocessing and model training for tabular data
- DeepSpeed is designed for large-scale distributed training of deep learning models
- Data Formulator provides a higher-level API, while DeepSpeed offers more fine-grained control
- DeepSpeed is better suited for advanced users and complex projects, while Data Formulator caters to beginners and simpler use cases
A fast library for AutoML and tuning. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Cppx2vSPVP.
Pros of FLAML
- More comprehensive AutoML toolkit with support for various tasks (classification, regression, time series forecasting, etc.)
- Efficient hyperparameter tuning with cost-aware search algorithms
- Active development and regular updates
Cons of FLAML
- Steeper learning curve due to more advanced features
- May be overkill for simpler data processing tasks
- Requires more computational resources for complex optimizations
Code Comparison
FLAML example:
from flaml import AutoML
automl = AutoML()
automl.fit(X_train, y_train, task="classification")
predictions = automl.predict(X_test)
Data-Formulator example:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
df = DataFormulator(data)
df.process()
result = df.get_result()
Summary
FLAML is a more comprehensive AutoML toolkit suitable for various machine learning tasks, while Data-Formulator focuses on data processing and transformation. FLAML offers advanced features like efficient hyperparameter tuning but may have a steeper learning curve. Data-Formulator is simpler to use for basic data manipulation tasks but lacks the advanced ML capabilities of FLAML. Choose based on your specific needs and project complexity.
ONNX Runtime: cross-platform, high performance ML inferencing and training accelerator
Pros of ONNX Runtime
- Widely adopted and supported across multiple platforms and frameworks
- Optimized for high-performance inference on various hardware
- Extensive documentation and community support
Cons of ONNX Runtime
- Larger codebase and more complex setup compared to Data Formulator
- Primarily focused on inference, not data preprocessing or transformation
Code Comparison
Data Formulator:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
df = DataFormulator()
df.add_column("new_column", lambda row: row["existing_column"] * 2)
transformed_data = df.transform(input_data)
ONNX Runtime:
import onnxruntime as ort
session = ort.InferenceSession("model.onnx")
input_name = session.get_inputs()[0].name
output_name = session.get_outputs()[0].name
result = session.run([output_name], {input_name: input_data})[0]
Summary
ONNX Runtime is a powerful inference engine for machine learning models, while Data Formulator focuses on data preprocessing and transformation. ONNX Runtime offers broader platform support and optimization capabilities, but may be overkill for simpler data manipulation tasks. Data Formulator provides a more straightforward approach to data transformation but lacks the extensive inference capabilities of ONNX Runtime.
TensorFlow code and pre-trained models for BERT
Pros of BERT
- Widely adopted and extensively researched in the NLP community
- Pre-trained models available for various languages and tasks
- Extensive documentation and community support
Cons of BERT
- Requires significant computational resources for training and fine-tuning
- May be overkill for simpler NLP tasks
- Limited flexibility for customizing the model architecture
Code Comparison
BERT example:
import tensorflow as tf
from transformers import BertTokenizer, TFBertModel
tokenizer = BertTokenizer.from_pretrained('bert-base-uncased')
model = TFBertModel.from_pretrained('bert-base-uncased')
Data Formulator example:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
formulator = DataFormulator()
formulated_data = formulator.formulate(input_data)
While BERT focuses on natural language processing tasks, Data Formulator appears to be a tool for data manipulation and transformation. BERT provides pre-trained models for various NLP tasks, whereas Data Formulator seems to offer a more flexible approach to data formatting and preparation. The choice between the two would depend on the specific requirements of your project and the nature of the data you're working with.
Tensors and Dynamic neural networks in Python with strong GPU acceleration
Pros of PyTorch
- Widely adopted and supported by a large community
- Extensive ecosystem of tools and libraries
- Flexible and intuitive for dynamic neural networks
Cons of PyTorch
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Larger memory footprint compared to some alternatives
- Can be slower for certain operations on CPU
Code Comparison
Data-Formulator:
from data_formulator import DataFormulator
df = DataFormulator()
df.load_data("dataset.csv")
df.preprocess()
PyTorch:
import torch
from torch.utils.data import Dataset, DataLoader
class CustomDataset(Dataset):
def __init__(self, data):
self.data = data
def __len__(self):
return len(self.data)
def __getitem__(self, idx):
return self.data[idx]
While Data-Formulator focuses on simplifying data preprocessing and formatting, PyTorch provides a comprehensive framework for building and training neural networks. Data-Formulator offers a more streamlined approach for data preparation, while PyTorch requires more setup but offers greater flexibility and power for complex machine learning tasks.
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Data Formulator: AI-powered Data Visualization
ðª Explore data with visualizations, powered by AI agents.
Why Data Formulator?
Your data lives everywhere â databases, warehouses, BI tools, files. Coding agents can help, but only after someone wires them up, and answers come back as walls of code or text that are hard to follow, refine, or share.
Data Formulator makes it simple: connect any data, ask anything, get charts you can edit, branch, and share â all on one interactive, visual canvas.
- Data & platform teams: wire up your databases, warehouses, and BI sources once, and give the whole org an AI-powered data exploration layer.
- Analysts & users: ask, edit, branch, share. It's so easy to get insights from good-looking charts.
https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/8e4f8a08-6423-4227-a1f7-559e0126ce31
News ð¥ð¥ð¥
[05-28-2026] Data Formulator 0.7 â turn ANY data into insights in five easy steps:
- Connect. Governed, reusable connections to databases, warehouses, BI systems, object stores, and files (Superset, Kusto, Cosmos DB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, BigQuery, S3, Azure Blob, â¦). Need a custom source? Point your coding agent at the data loader plugin guide.
- Load. Ask the data-loading agent to find tables from connected databases, or extract data from Excel files, images, websites, and text.
- Explore. A unified Data Agent with thread memory inspects data, runs sandboxed code, and weaves explanation, exploration, and recommendation into one fluid conversation â grounded in your context. The Data Thread keeps questions, intermediate results, and charts navigable: revisit earlier steps, branch into alternatives, and compare side by side.
- Refine. 30+ chart types (area, streamgraph, candlestick, radar, maps, KPI, â¦) via a new semantic chart engine, plus a style-refinement agent that turns rough charts into presentation-ready visuals through natural language.
- Share. Build reports and export as image or PDF to tell the story.
â Persistent sessions & workspaces â identity-isolated, saved across restarts. Data Formulator is your de facto data analysis pane.
Multilingual UI â Data Formulator now speaks Chinese in addition to English (没éï¼DFç°å¨ä¼è¯´ä¸æäºï¼). More languages on the way â contributions welcome.
Install with
pip install data_formulatoror run instantly withuvx data_formulator.
[!TIP] Are you a developer? Join us to shape the future of AI-powered data exploration! We're looking for help with new agents, data connectors, chart templates, and more. Check out the Developers' Guide and our open issues.
Previous Updates
Here are milestones that lead to the current design:
- v0.7 alpha 2 (05-11-2026): Early preview of data connectors, the unified
DataAgentwith thread memory, persistent workspaces, the semantic chart engine, and experimental knowledge distillation. - v0.6 (Demo): Real-time insights from live data â connect to URLs and databases with automatic refresh
- uv support: Faster installation with uv â
uvx data_formulatororuv pip install data_formulator - v0.5.1 (Demo): Community data loaders, US Map & Pie Chart, editable reports, snappier UI
- v0.5: Vibe with your data, in control â agent mode, data extraction, reports
- v0.2.2 (Demo): Goal-driven exploration with agent recommendations and performance improvements
- v0.2.1.3/4 (Readme | Demo): External data loaders (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, Azure Data Explorer, S3, Azure Blob)
- v0.2 (Demos): Large data support with DuckDB integration
- v0.1.7 (Demos): Dataset anchoring for cleaner workflows
- v0.1.6 (Demo): Multi-table support with automatic joins
- Model Support: OpenAI, Azure, Ollama, Anthropic via LiteLLM (feedback)
- Python Package: Easy local installation (try it)
- Visualization Challenges: Test your skills (challenges)
- Data Extraction: Parse data from images and text (demo)
- Initial Release: Blog | Video
Overview
Data Formulator is a Microsoft Research project for data exploration with visualizations powered by AI agents. It combines UI interactions with natural language so analysts can communicate intent, branch into alternative analyses, and share results â starting from any data format (screenshot, text, CSV, or database).
Get Started
Play with Data Formulator with one of the following options.
-
Option 1: Install via uv (recommended)
uv is an extremely fast Python package manager. If you have uv installed, you can run Data Formulator directly without any setup:
uvx data_formulatorRun
uvx data_formulator --helpto see all available options, such as custom port, sandboxing mode, and data storage location. -
Option 2: Install via pip
Use pip for installation (recommend: install it in a virtual environment).
pip install data_formulator # install python -m data_formulator # runData Formulator will be automatically opened in the browser at http://localhost:5567.
-
Option 3: Run with Docker
docker compose up --buildOpen http://localhost:5567 in your browser. To stop, press
Ctrl+Cor rundocker compose down. -
Option 4: Codespaces
You can run Data Formulator in Codespaces; we have everything pre-configured. For more details, see CODESPACES.md.
-
Option 5: Working as developer
You can build Data Formulator locally and develop your own version. Check out details in DEVELOPMENT.md.
Using Data Formulator
Besides uploading csv, tsv or xlsx files that contain structured data, you can ask Data Formulator to extract data from screenshots, text blocks or websites, or load data from databases use connectors. Then you are ready to explore. Ask visualizaiton questions, edit charts, or delegate some exploration tasks to agents. Then, create reports to share your insights.
https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/164aff58-9f93-4792-b8ed-9944578fbb72
Research Papers
@article{wang2024dataformulator2iteratively,
title={Data Formulator 2: Iteratively Creating Rich Visualizations with AI},
author={Chenglong Wang and Bongshin Lee and Steven Drucker and Dan Marshall and Jianfeng Gao},
year={2024},
booktitle={ArXiv preprint arXiv:2408.16119},
}
@article{wang2023data,
title={Data Formulator: AI-powered Concept-driven Visualization Authoring},
author={Wang, Chenglong and Thompson, John and Lee, Bongshin},
journal={IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics},
year={2023},
publisher={IEEE}
}
Contributing
This project welcomes contributions and suggestions. Most contributions require you to agree to a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) declaring that you have the right to, and actually do, grant us the rights to use your contribution. For details, visit https://cla.microsoft.com.
When you submit a pull request, a CLA-bot will automatically determine whether you need to provide a CLA and decorate the PR appropriately (e.g., label, comment). Simply follow the instructions provided by the bot. You will only need to do this once across all repositories using our CLA.
This project has adopted the Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct. For more information see the Code of Conduct FAQ or contact opencode@microsoft.com with any additional questions or comments.
Trademarks
This project may contain trademarks or logos for projects, products, or services. Authorized use of Microsoft trademarks or logos is subject to and must follow Microsoft's Trademark & Brand Guidelines. Use of Microsoft trademarks or logos in modified versions of this project must not cause confusion or imply Microsoft sponsorship. Any use of third-party trademarks or logos are subject to those third-party's policies.
Top Related Projects
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DeepSpeed is a deep learning optimization library that makes distributed training and inference easy, efficient, and effective.
A fast library for AutoML and tuning. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/Cppx2vSPVP.
ONNX Runtime: cross-platform, high performance ML inferencing and training accelerator
TensorFlow code and pre-trained models for BERT
Tensors and Dynamic neural networks in Python with strong GPU acceleration
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designs to code with AI
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