Microsoft has recently released a public preview of Python in Excel, a groundbreaking feature that allows users to seamlessly integrate Python and Excel analytics within the same Excel grid. This exciting development opens up new possibilities for data analysis and visualization, combining the power of Python’s data manipulation and visualization libraries with the familiar features of Excel.
The Benefits of Python in Excel
With Python in Excel, users can manipulate and explore data in Excel using Python plots and libraries, and then further refine their insights using Excel’s formulas, charts, and PivotTables. This integration provides a seamless workflow for data analysis, allowing users to leverage the strengths of both Python and Excel in a single environment.
Leveraging Anaconda Distribution for Python
To ensure a robust and comprehensive Python integration, Microsoft has partnered with Anaconda, a leading enterprise-grade Python repository used by millions of data practitioners worldwide. Python in Excel leverages Anaconda Distribution for Python running in Azure, which includes popular Python libraries such as pandas for data manipulation, stats models for advanced statistical modeling, and Matplotlib and seaborn for data visualization. This partnership ensures that users have access to a wide range of powerful tools and libraries for their data analysis needs.
Gradual Roll Out and Licensing
Microsoft is gradually rolling out Python in Excel to the public preview for those in the Microsoft 365 Insiders program Beta Channel. The feature will first be available for Excel on Windows, starting with build 16818, and will be rolled out to other platforms at a later date. During the preview period, Python in Excel will be included with a Microsoft 365 subscription. However, after the preview, some functionality will be restricted without a paid license.
How to Use Python in Excel
To start using Python in Excel, you need to join the Microsoft 365 Insider Program and choose the Beta Channel Insider level to get the latest builds of the Excel application. Once you have installed the latest Insider build of Excel, follow these steps:
- Select Formulas in the ribbon.
- Select Insert Python.
- Select the Try Preview button in the dialog that appears.
What Experts Are Saying
Python in Excel has garnered excitement and praise from experts in the field. Guido van Rossum, the creator of Python and a current Microsoft distinguished engineer, has given his blessing to the project and even helped develop the finished product. Other experts have highlighted the potential of Python in Excel for advanced analytics and its ability to bridge the gap between Excel and Python for data analysis and machine learning.
Conclusion
Python in Excel represents a significant advancement in data analysis and visualization, bringing together the power of Python and the familiarity of Excel in a seamless integration. With the ability to manipulate and explore data using Python libraries and then refine insights using Excel’s features, users can unlock new possibilities for data-driven decision-making. Microsoft’s partnership with Anaconda ensures access to a wide range of powerful Python libraries, further enhancing the capabilities of Python in Excel. As Python continues to establish itself as the language of data science and machine learning, the integration of Python in Excel opens up new opportunities for users to leverage the strengths of both tools in their data analysis workflows.