# Data Formulator vs Sampler

## Key differences

- Data Formulator has 1.2× as many GitHub stars as Sampler (17.5K vs 14.8K).
- Data Formulator had more development activity over the last 12 months: 930 commits vs 0.
- Data Formulator is licensed under MIT; Sampler under GPL-3.0.
- Data Formulator is written primarily in Python, Sampler in Go.
- Sampler is the older project: its repository was created in 2019, Data Formulator's in 2024.
- Sampler has had no commits since Oct 6, 2022.

| | Data Formulator | Sampler |
|---|---|---|
| Description | AI-assisted tool for transforming data and creating visualizations, from Microsoft Research. | Terminal dashboard that runs shell commands and visualizes their output, configured with YAML. |
| GitHub stars | 17,525 | 14,810 |
| Commits (12 months) | 930 | 0 |
| Contributors | 36 | 14 |
| License | MIT | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Python | Go |
| Status | Active | Inactive |
| Install | `pip install data-formulator` | `go get github.com/sqshq/sampler` |

Source: https://awesomedataviz.com/compare/data-formulator-vs-sampler/ · Data updated 2026-10-04 · Content: CC BY 4.0, Awesome Dataviz (https://awesomedataviz.com).