Monday, 16 February 2026

📊 Day 22: Stream Graph in Python

Samaksh Dubey February 16, 2026 Data Science No comments

📊 Day 22: Stream Graph in Python

🔹 What is a Stream Graph?

A Stream Graph is a variation of a stacked area chart where layers flow around a central baseline, creating a smooth, wave-like appearance.

🔹 When Should You Use It?

Use a stream graph when:

Showing changes over time
Comparing multiple categories
Focusing on trends rather than exact values
Creating visually engaging storytelling charts

🔹 Example Scenario

Suppose you are analyzing:

Popularity of music genres over years
Website traffic sources over time
Topic trends in social media

A stream graph helps you:

See rise and fall of categories
Identify dominant trends
Tell a compelling data story

🔹 Key Idea Behind It

👉 Data layers are stacked around a centerline
👉 Emphasizes flow and change
👉 Prioritizes visual storytelling

🔹 Python Code (Stream Graph)


import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

x = np.arange(10)

y1 = np.random.rand(10)
y2 = np.random.rand(10)
y3 = np.random.rand(10)

y = np.vstack([y1, y2, y3])

plt.stackplot(x, y, baseline='wiggle')

plt.xlabel("Time")
plt.ylabel("Value")
plt.title("Stream Graph Example")
plt.legend(["Category A", "Category B", "Category C"])
plt.show()