Most Python developers reach for Pandas or Polars when working with tabular data—but DuckDB offers a powerful alternative that’s more than just another DataFrame library. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use DuckDB as an in-process analytical database: building data pipelines, caching datasets, and running complex queries with SQL—all without leaving Python. We’ll cover common use cases like ETL, lightweight data orchestration, and interactive analytics workflows. You’ll leave with a solid mental model for using DuckDB effectively as the “SQLite for analytics.”