Python in Excel: A Revolution in Data Analysis Begins Today

On August 22, 2023, Microsoft announced the public preview launch of Python in Excel, allowing advanced spreadsheet users to combine scripts written in the popular Python language with standard Excel formulas in a single workbook. For now, this new feature is available exclusively to participants in the Microsoft 365 Insider testing program as part of the Beta Channel for Excel on Windows.

Although the feature will initially work only in the desktop version of Excel, Microsoft noted that all calculations will be performed in Microsoft’s cloud environment. This means the feature will eventually become available in the web version of Office as well.

“Now you can perform advanced data analysis in the familiar Excel environment, accessing Python directly from the Excel ribbon,” explained Stefan Kinnestrand, General Manager of Modern Work at Microsoft. “No setup or installation is required. Using Excel’s built-in components and Power Query, you can easily integrate external Python data into your Excel workflows,” Kinnestrand added.

Collaboration with Anaconda and Key Features

To implement this feature, Microsoft partnered with the data science platform Anaconda. The company uses a Python distribution running on Azure to provide Excel users with access to the most popular Python libraries, including Matplotlib and seaborn for data visualization.

To try out the new functionality, you need to join the Microsoft 365 Insider program and select the Beta Channel to receive the latest Excel builds. Then, simply choose “Insert Python” from the Formulas ribbon to test the new feature.

Why This Integration Matters

It’s worth noting that libraries for working with Excel files in Python, as well as paid Excel add-ons like PyXLL, have existed for a long time. However, integrating Python directly into the Excel interface could make this programming language much more accessible to everyday spreadsheet users.

The arrival of Python in Excel can be seen as a major step forward for one of the world’s most popular office applications. Users will be able to leverage the powerful capabilities of Python for data analysis and processing—without needing to install third-party libraries or add-ons.