Packages and environment
Boardflare's notebook runs Python through Pyodide, a CPython distribution compiled for WebAssembly and the browser. This removes the need for a separate local Python installation but creates different compatibility boundaries from desktop Python.
Common scientific packages
The environment supports packages used by Boardflare demos such as pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and plotting libraries.
Installing additional packages
Pure-Python packages and Pyodide-compatible wheels can often be installed with micropip:
import micropip
await micropip.install("textdistance")
Browser constraints
Expect differences from desktop Python around native binary extensions, unrestricted local file-system access, subprocesses/desktop applications, low-level networking, CORS, and browser authentication behavior.
Choosing the right execution environment
| Requirement | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Reactive workbook analysis and UI | Boardflare notebook |
| pandas/SciPy work supported by Pyodide | Boardflare notebook |
| Public/CORS-compatible API | Boardflare can be appropriate |
| Batch processing local folders | External Python |
| Desktop automation/subprocesses | External Python |
| Unsupported compiled package | External or managed Python |
For underlying browser-Python behavior, see the Pyodide documentation.