When discussing spreadsheet application options, Microsoft Excel undoubtedly takes the lead. It has served as the quintessential benchmark for over three decades, setting a standard for developers to aspire to. Similarly, in the realm of programming languages, Python has emerged as a powerhouse, widely embraced and utilized.
In a recent development, Microsoft has unveiled its plans to enhance the premier spreadsheet application by integrating support for Python. This exciting addition empowers proficient users to seamlessly integrate Python scripts, thereby harnessing the full potential of the Excel application in an effortless manner.
As is customary, this novel functionality will debut within the domain of Microsoft 365 Insiders, initially rolling out through the Excel for Windows beta program. However, there’s an anticipation that the macOS version might experience a slight delay in receiving this upgraded capability.
According to Microsoft’s statements, this fresh feature will exclusively grace the desktop iteration of Excel, and the Python-based computations will be executed directly within the Microsoft cloud. Notably, this approach is intriguing, given Python’s innate compatibility with most contemporary PCs, rendering the entire process remarkably smooth and efficient.
For Microsoft 365 only
This lack of functionality in the purchasable Office version, separate from the Microsoft 365 subscription, appears to be a deliberate strategy. It seems designed to push users who seek this feature into a convoluted path.
According to Microsoft, there’s no need for users to engage in any configuration or installations on their computers. This integration will seamlessly unfold via the Formulas tab on the ribbon, employing built-in connectors. These connectors enable the utilization of Python scripts within Excel workflows, easily accessed through the “Insert Python” button.
Historically, Python’s interaction with Excel was attainable to some extent via specific libraries and plugins. However, the current native amalgamation of this programming language offers an optimal approach, synergizing their strengths harmoniously. If you’re eager to be among the pioneer users of this fresh capability, the opportunity is ripe by enrolling in the Microsoft 365 Insider program and procuring the latest iteration of Excel.
To enlist in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program, a simple click on this link is the gateway. Subsequently, tapping the “Join Microsoft 365 Insider Program” button initiates the journey, prompting step-by-step guidance through the Microsoft 365 application for acquiring the newest beta releases of all its constituent applications.
For the purpose of seamlessly integrating this programming language, Microsoft has collaborated with Anaconda, a formidable data analysis platform. The chosen version is grounded in Anaconda Python, utilizing Microsoft’s Azure platform. This convergence brings forth an array of well-regarded libraries from Python, including but not limited to Matplotlib and Seaborn. These integrations amplify Excel’s capabilities in handling data, rendering the process notably more streamlined and user-friendly.