Reactive Python Notebooks with marimo: The Jupyter Alternative You Should Try

If you've ever used Jupyter Notebooks and wished they were more reproducible, script-friendly, or easier to version in Git, marimo might be your new favorite tool. It’s a reactive Python notebook that feels like a modern take on the classic notebook experience—with built-in SQL support, script execution, app deployment, and Git compatibility.

What It Does

marimo is a reactive Python notebook environment where cells automatically update when their dependencies change (no more manual "Run All"). It also doubles as:

• A script (run it like python notebook.py)
• A deployable app (share it as an interactive dashboard)
• A Git-friendly file (clean diffs, no hidden state)
• An SQL-enabled workspace (query databases directly)

All of this lives in a clean, AI-native editor with autocomplete and modern tooling.

Why It’s Cool

1. No More Hidden State
   Unlike Jupyter, marimo notebooks are deterministic—execution order doesn’t matter because dependencies are tracked automatically. Say goodbye to "Kernel Restart & Run All" chaos.

2. From Notebook to App in One Step
   Deploy a marimo notebook as a standalone web app with marimo run notebook.py. No extra frameworks needed.

3. SQL as a First-Class Citizen
   Query databases directly with inline SQL cells. Results are loaded as Pandas DataFrames, so you can jump straight into analysis.

4. Git-Friendly
   Notebooks are saved as pure .py files, so version control works seamlessly. No more JSON conflicts or unreadable diffs.

5. Reactive UI
   Change a variable? Every cell that depends on it updates instantly—great for dynamic dashboards or parameter tuning.

How to Try It

1. Install:

   pip install marimo
   

2. Start a notebook:

   marimo edit hello.py
   

3. Or check out the live demo to play with it in your browser.

Final Thoughts

marimo feels like the notebook experience Jupyter could have had if it were designed today. It’s especially handy for:

• Data scientists tired of notebook state headaches
• Engineers who want to share analyses as apps
• Teams that need better reproducibility and Git workflows

If you’re deep into Jupyter, the switch might take a minute—but the reactivity and cleanliness are worth it. Give it a spin and see if it clicks for you.

— @githubprojects