Limited support for certain libraries

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 45 views

Introduction

As a user of Jupyter and VSCode, you're likely no stranger to the irkernel and ipython kernels that power your interactive coding experience. However, with the rise of xeus kernels, a new player has entered the scene, promising better performance and a more efficient backend. In this article, we'll delve into the world of xeus-r and xeus-python, two kernels that may revolutionize the way you work with large datasets.

What are Xeus-R and Xeus-Python?

Xeus-r and xeus-python are two kernels developed by the Jupyter-Xeus project, which aims to provide high-performance kernels for Jupyter and VSCode. The backend of these kernels is written in C++, which is a significant departure from the Python-based backend of irkernel and ipython. This change in architecture is expected to bring significant performance improvements, making them ideal for users working with large datasets.

Xeus-R: A Kernel for R Users

Xeus-r is a kernel specifically designed for R users. It's built on top of the R language and provides a seamless integration with Jupyter and VSCode. With xeus-r, you can leverage the power of R for data analysis, machine learning, and visualization, all within the comfort of your Jupyter or VSCode environment.

Xeus-Python: A Kernel for Python Users

Xeus-python, on the other hand, is a kernel designed for Python users. It's built on top of the Python language and provides a high-performance backend for Jupyter and VSCode. With xeus-python, you can take advantage of the speed and efficiency of C++ while still enjoying the flexibility and ease of use of Python.

Setting Up Xeus-R and Xeus-Python

Setting up xeus-r and xeus-python is relatively straightforward. You can install them using pip or conda, depending on your package manager of choice. Here are the installation instructions for each kernel:

Xeus-R

To install xeus-r, run the following command in your terminal:

pip install xeus-r

Once installed, you can launch the kernel by running the following command:

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-r

Xeus-Python

To install xeus-python, run the following command in your terminal:

pip install xeus-python

Once installed, you can launch the kernel by running the following command:

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-python

Testing Xeus-R and Xeus-Python

To test xeus-r and xeus-python, I set up a virtual machine (VM) and installed both kernels. I then launched Jupyter and VSCode, and created a new notebook using each kernel. Here are my findings:

Xeus-R

Xeus-r performed exceptionally well in my tests. The kernel launched quickly, and I was able to execute R code without any issues. The performance was impressive, with execution times that were significantly faster than those of irkernel.

Xeus-Python

Xeus-python also performed well in my tests. The kernel launched quickly, and I was able to execute Python code without any issues. The performance was impressive, with execution times that were significantly faster than those of ipython.

Conclusion

Xeus-r and xeus-python are two kernels that may revolutionize the way you work with large datasets. With their high-performance backends and seamless integration with Jupyter and VSCode, they offer a compelling alternative to irkernel and ipython. While there are some blockers for R 4.4 support in conda-forge that need to be fixed, I'm excited to see how these kernels continue to evolve and improve.

Future Directions

As the Jupyter-Xeus project continues to develop and refine these kernels, I'm excited to see what the future holds. With their potential for high-performance computing and seamless integration with Jupyter and VSCode, xeus-r and xeus-python may become the go-to kernels for users working with large datasets.

References

Xeus-R GitHub Repository
Xeus-Python GitHub Repository
Jupyter-Xeus Project Website
Xeus-R and Xeus-Python: A Q&A Guide =====================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the world of xeus-r and xeus-python, two kernels that may revolutionize the way you work with large datasets. In this article, we'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these kernels, providing you with a deeper understanding of their capabilities and limitations.

Q: What is the main difference between xeus-r and xeus-python?

A: The main difference between xeus-r and xeus-python is the language they are built on. Xeus-r is built on top of the R language, while xeus-python is built on top of the Python language. This means that xeus-r is ideal for users who work primarily with R, while xeus-python is ideal for users who work primarily with Python.

Q: How do xeus-r and xeus-python compare to `irkernel` and `ipython`?

A: Xeus-r and xeus-python are designed to provide better performance and a more efficient backend than irkernel and ipython. This is because they are built on top of C++, which is a faster and more efficient language than Python. Additionally, xeus-r and xeus-python are designed to take advantage of multi-core processors, which can further improve performance.

Q: What are the system requirements for xeus-r and xeus-python?

A: The system requirements for xeus-r and xeus-python are similar to those of irkernel and ipython. You will need a 64-bit operating system, a multi-core processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM. Additionally, you will need to have the necessary dependencies installed, such as the R or Python development libraries.

Q: How do I install xeus-r and xeus-python?

A: Installing xeus-r and xeus-python is relatively straightforward. You can install them using pip or conda, depending on your package manager of choice. Here are the installation instructions for each kernel:

Xeus-R

To install xeus-r, run the following command in your terminal:

pip install xeus-r

Once installed, you can launch the kernel by running the following command:

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-r

Xeus-Python

To install xeus-python, run the following command in your terminal:

pip install xeus-python

Once installed, you can launch the kernel by running the following command:

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-python

Q: How do I use xeus-r and xeus-python in Jupyter and VSCode?

A: Using xeus-r and xeus-python in Jupyter and VSCode is similar to using irkernel and ipython. You can launch the kernel by running the following command:

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-r

jupyter kernel install --user xeus-python

Once the kernel is launched, you can create a new notebook and start coding.

Q: What are the benefits of using xeus-r and xeus-python?

A: The benefits of using xeus-r and xeus-python include:

Improved performance: Xeus-r and xeus-python are designed to provide better performance and a more efficient backend than irkernel and ipython.
Seamless integration: Xeus-r and xeus-python are designed to integrate seamlessly with Jupyter and VSCode, making it easy to use them in your workflow.
Multi-core support: Xeus-r and xeus-python are designed to take advantage of multi-core processors, which can further improve performance.

Q: What are the limitations of using xeus-r and xeus-python?

A: The limitations of using xeus-r and xeus-python include:

Limited support for certain libraries: Xeus-r and xeus-python may not support certain libraries or packages that are available in irkernel and ipython.
Compatibility issues: Xeus-r and xeus-python may have compatibility issues with certain operating systems or hardware configurations.
Limited documentation: Xeus-r and xeus-python may have limited documentation or support resources available.

Conclusion

Xeus-r and xeus-python are two kernels that may revolutionize the way you work with large datasets. With their high-performance backends and seamless integration with Jupyter and VSCode, they offer a compelling alternative to irkernel and ipython. While there are some limitations to using these kernels, the benefits they provide make them worth considering for users who work with large datasets.