Softwr

Machine Learning · head to head

Python vs Apache Spark MLlib

Python logo

Python

Machine Learning

Programming language that lets you work quickly

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apache Spark MLlib logo

Apache Spark MLlib

Machine Learning

Scalable machine learning on Apache Spark

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Python no built-in GUI module in standard library; requires third-party libraries for desktop applications; Apache Spark MLlib apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.
  • They diverge on capability: Python covers High-level syntax, Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Python and Apache Spark MLlib actually diverge.

Attributes where Python and Apache Spark MLlib differ
AttributePythonApache Spark MLlib
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSLinux, macOS, Windows
Founded19911999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Python

  • High-level syntax
  • Interpreted execution
  • Object-oriented programming
  • Dynamic typing
  • Extensive standard library
  • Package management (pip)
  • Interactive shell
  • Cross-platform compatibility

Only in Apache Spark MLlib

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Collaborative filtering
  • Feature engineering
  • Apache Spark
  • Hadoop
  • Kafka

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Python

  • General-purpose programmingnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Data analysisnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Web developmentnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Automationnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Machine learning

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Machine learning
  • Data sciencenot Python
  • Distributed computingnot Python

Both are used for machine learning, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Python

  • No built-in GUI module in standard library; requires third-party libraries for desktop applications
  • Global Interpreter Lock (GIL) limits true multithreading for CPU-bound operations

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.

Pricing, plan by plan

Python

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Python review.

Apache Spark MLlib

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark MLlib review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Python if

  • You need high-level syntax.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
  • You also want interpreted execution.
Python review

Choose Apache Spark MLlib if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Apache Spark MLlib review

Questions people ask

Is Python or Apache Spark MLlib better?
Neither clearly leads. Python starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Python or Apache Spark MLlib?
Python starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free.
Does Python or Apache Spark MLlib run on more platforms?
Python runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. Apache Spark MLlib runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Python for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Python best used for?
Python is most often used for general-purpose programming, data analysis, web development, automation. Of those, general-purpose programming and data analysis are not what Apache Spark MLlib is typically brought in for.
What can Python do that Apache Spark MLlib cannot?
Python covers High-level syntax, Interpreted execution, Object-oriented programming, Dynamic typing. Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Collaborative filtering.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Python: How much does Python cost?

Python is free and open source. The Python Software Foundation accepts voluntary donations and memberships but does not charge for using Python itself.

Source
Apache Spark MLlib: How much does Apache Spark MLlib cost?

MLlib is completely free and open source, licensed under the Apache License Version 2.0. There are no subscription, licensing, or usage fees.

Source
Apache Spark MLlib: What licensing does MLlib use?

MLlib is licensed under Apache License Version 2.0, making it freely available for all users regardless of organization size or use case.

Source
Apache Spark MLlib: How do I use MLlib?

MLlib is built into Apache Spark. Download Spark, which includes MLlib as a module, and deploy on your choice of infrastructure including Hadoop, Mesos, Kubernetes, standalone, or cloud.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Python

More on Apache Spark MLlib

Keep looking

Other head to heads