JupyterLab Intermediate

JupyterLab is the next-generation web-based interface for Project Jupyter. It provides a flexible, integrated environment that combines notebooks, code editors, terminals, and custom components in a single, tabbed workspace.

JupyterLab vs Jupyter Notebook

Feature	Jupyter Notebook (Classic)	JupyterLab
Interface	Single notebook per tab	Multi-tab, split-pane workspace
File Browser	Separate dashboard page	Integrated sidebar panel
Terminal	Separate window	Built-in terminal tab
Text Editor	Basic	Full-featured with syntax highlighting
Extensions	nbextensions (server-side)	Modern extension system (client-side)
Drag & Drop	Limited	Drag cells, tabs, and files freely
Multiple Views	No	View same notebook in multiple panels
CSV/JSON Viewer	No	Built-in viewers for data files
Dark Theme	Extension required	Built-in dark theme

Installation

# Install JupyterLab
pip install jupyterlab

# Or with conda
conda install -c conda-forge jupyterlab

# Start JupyterLab
jupyter lab

# Start on specific port
jupyter lab --port 8889

Interface

JupyterLab's interface consists of several key areas:

• Menu bar: File, Edit, View, Run, Kernel, Tabs, Settings, Help
• Left sidebar: File browser, running kernels, table of contents, extensions manager
• Main work area: Tabbed workspace with drag-and-drop arrangement of panels
• Status bar: Kernel status, cursor position, and notification area

Key Interface Features

• File browser: Navigate your filesystem, create files/folders, upload, and download
• Terminals: Open system terminals directly in JupyterLab tabs
• Consoles: Interactive Python/R consoles linked to kernels
• Notebooks side by side: Split your workspace to view multiple notebooks simultaneously
• CSV viewer: Open CSV files as formatted, sortable tables
• Image viewer: Preview images directly in the workspace
• JSON viewer: Explore JSON files with collapsible tree view

Extensions System

JupyterLab has a modern extension system:

# List installed extensions
jupyter labextension list

# Install an extension
pip install jupyterlab-git

# Popular extensions
pip install jupyterlab-lsp          # Language server protocol (autocomplete)
pip install jupyterlab-drawio       # Diagrams
pip install jupyterlab-system-monitor # CPU/memory monitor
pip install jupyterlab_code_formatter # Code formatting

Drag and Drop

• Drag tabs to rearrange or split the workspace into multiple panels
• Drag cells within notebooks to reorder them
• Drag files from the file browser into notebooks to generate import code
• Create side-by-side views by dragging a tab to the edge of the work area

Multiple Views

JupyterLab lets you create multiple synchronized views of the same document:

• Right-click a notebook tab and select "New View for Notebook"
• Edit in one view, and changes appear in the other instantly
• Useful for viewing results at the bottom while editing code at the top

Built-in Terminal

Access a full system terminal without leaving JupyterLab:

• Open from File → New → Terminal
• Run git commands, install packages, manage files
• Multiple terminals can be open simultaneously
• Supports bash, zsh, PowerShell, or any system shell

Git Integration

# Install Git extension
pip install jupyterlab-git

# After installation, the Git panel appears in the left sidebar
# Features:
# - View changed files
# - Stage/unstage changes
# - Commit with messages
# - Push/pull from remotes
# - View diff for notebooks
# - Branch management

Customization

• Themes: Switch between light and dark themes in Settings → Theme
• Keyboard shortcuts: Customize in Settings → Advanced Settings Editor → Keyboard Shortcuts
• Font size: Adjust code and content font sizes in settings
• Layout: Save and restore workspace layouts