What Is The Difference Between Jupyter Notebook And Jupyter Lab?

Jupyter Notebook and JupyterLab are both tools from the Jupyter Project designed for interactive computing. While they share many similarities, they differ in terms of features, user interface, and flexibility. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Interface and Design

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Simple, notebook-oriented interface.
  • Each notebook is a standalone document.
  • Interface focuses on linear workflows with cells for code, markdown, and outputs.
• JupyterLab:
  • Advanced, modular interface resembling an IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
  • Supports multiple panels (notebooks, terminals, file browsers, text editors) in a single workspace.
  • Offers drag-and-drop functionality and tabbed layouts for better multitasking.

2. Features

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Basic features for editing and running Jupyter Notebooks.
  • Limited support for side-by-side work or file management.
  • Extensions can enhance functionality, but integration is less seamless.
• JupyterLab:
  • Built-in support for side-by-side views (e.g., open a notebook and a terminal simultaneously).
  • Better file management with an integrated file browser.
  • Rich integration for different file types like CSVs, images, and JSON.
  • Supports extensions more robustly, allowing for new tools and visualizations.

3. Performance

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Lightweight and simpler; faster to load for basic usage.
  • Can become cumbersome with larger projects or workflows.
• JupyterLab:
  • Heavier on resources due to the richer interface and features.
  • Designed for managing more complex workflows.

4. Extensibility

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Extensions are available via third-party libraries but may require manual installation and setup.
  • Limited extensibility compared to JupyterLab.
• JupyterLab:
  • Built with extensibility in mind.
  • Extensions can be easily installed via the built-in extension manager.
  • Supports themes, advanced widgets, and third-party integrations.

5. Community and Ecosystem

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Established and widely used; many tutorials and resources are available.
  • Considered a more stable choice for simpler workflows.
• JupyterLab:
  • Newer and actively developed.
  • Gaining popularity as the “next-generation” Jupyter environment.

6. Use Cases

• Jupyter Notebook:
  • Best for:
    • Simple data analysis.
    • Educational purposes.
    • Quick prototyping.
  • Ideal for users who prefer simplicity and minimal distractions.
• JupyterLab:
  • Best for:
    • Complex workflows with multiple files and data types.
    • Software development and collaboration.
    • Power users and those needing an IDE-like environment.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose Jupyter Notebook if you:
  • Are a beginner or working on small, focused tasks.
  • Prefer simplicity and minimalism.
  • Don’t need advanced features or multitasking.
• Choose JupyterLab if you:
  • Work on larger, more complex projects.
  • Need to handle multiple files and tools simultaneously.
  • Want more customization and a modern interface.
  • Both tools are compatible with Jupyter Notebooks (.ipynb files), so you can switch between them based on your needs.