Python in Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to automate tasks, clean data, and create visualizations. However, it can be difficult to learn how to use Python in Excel, especially if you are not familiar with Python. This article will introduce Python in Excel and provide you with some resources to help you learn more.
Part 1. Python in Excel (New Updated)
1. What Version of Excel Has Python?
Python in Excel, which is now in public preview, is now available to customers using Windows Beta Channel, according to the firm. The functionality will initially be available in Excel for Windows, beginning with version 16.0.16818.20000, and subsequently to other operating systems.
2. What Is Python in Excel?
Python in Excel on Windows: Python is currently being tested in Excel, initially for Windows users. This feature streamlines data analysis and automation, allowing users to use Python directly within their spreadsheets.
No Internet Requirement: Python in Excel doesn't require a constant internet connection. You can work offline with Python scripts and functions, similar to traditional Excel formulas.
Licensing and Limitations: While basic Python functionality is often included, advanced features or libraries may require additional licensing or subscriptions. The specifics vary depending on your Excel version and usage.
3. What Can Python Do in Excel?
1.Advanced Visualizations
Use Python's Matplotlib and Seaborn to make different charts. You can make simple ones like bar graphs and line plots or more special ones like heatmaps or violin plots.
2.Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Forecasting
These Python tools help you make predictions and understand data better. You can use them for things like guessing trends or looking at how things change over time.
3.Data Cleaning
Make your data better by removing mistakes. This means fixing missing information, making everything look the same, and getting rid of copies or things you don't need.
Part 2. Why Use Python in Microsoft Excel?
1.Work seamlessly
You can perform advanced data analysis within the familiar Excel environment without the need for complex setup or installations. Python can be accessed directly from the Excel ribbon. This integration streamlines your workflow, allowing you to combine Excel's user-friendly interface with the power of Python.
Excel's built-in connectors and Power Query make it easy to import external data into your Python workflows within Excel..
2.Collaborate easily
You can easily share workbooks and Python analytics with your team through popular tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook. Collaboration is seamless with features like comments and @ mentions.
Co-authoring with colleagues is straightforward, just as you would in Excel. Even if your colleagues don't have Python in Excel activated, they can refresh Python analytics to access the most up-to-date information.
3.Get enterprise-level security automatically
Security and data protection are paramount in Python in Excel. The solution operates on the Microsoft Cloud infrastructure, ensuring enterprise-level security.
As part of the Microsoft 365 (M365) connected experience, you benefit from robust security measures integrated into the core design of Python in Excel, safeguarding your data and analytics..
Part 3. How to Use Python in Microsoft Excel?
No need to download any software, directly use Python code in Excel
Step 1: In Excel, select a cell and go to the Formulas tab. Choose "Insert Python" to indicate that you want to write a Python formula.
Alternatively, enter "=PY" in a cell and select "PY" from the function AutoComplete menu.
Step 2: You can enter Python code directly into the cell or use the formula bar for code-like editing behavior.
Step 3: To reference Excel objects like ranges, tables, queries, and names in a Python cell, use the custom Python function "xl()".
The figure below depicts a Python in Excel calculation that adds the values of cells A1 and B1, with the Python result returned in cell C1.
Step 6: You can control how Python calculations are returned using the Python output menu in the formula bar.
alt: control output
This method is convenient and easy to use if you have access to the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. It allows you to write Python code within Excel without installing any additional software. However, it is still in preview and may have some limitations or bugs.
Implement Python in Excel using third-party open source distributions
This method offers more flexibility and control but involves additional software and add-ins.
Step 1: Install an Excel add-in, such as xlwings or PyXLL, that allows you to run Python code from Excel.
Step 2: Write your Python code in a separate file or an interactive shell.
from pyxll import xl_func
@xl_func
def fib(n):
"Naiive Fibonacci implementation."
if n == 0:
return 0
elif n == 1:
return 1
return fib(n-1) + fib(n-2)
Step 3: PyXLL detects the xl_func decorated function fib and exposes it to Excel as a user-defined function.
PyXLL automatically converts Excel data to Python types, stores object references for complex data, and manages efficient memory handling by dereferencing objects no longer used in Excel.
This method offers more control and flexibility, making it ideal for users who require advanced data analysis and manipulation capabilities with Python. However, it involves more setup and might be challenging for beginners.
Part 4. Can Python Replace VBA in Excel?
1.Python in Excel runs securely on the Microsoft Cloud, with no setup required
Python in Excel operates securely on the Microsoft Cloud with zero setup required.
Utilizes enterprise-level security, compliant with Microsoft 365 standards.
Python code runs in isolated containers with secure packages from Anaconda, ensuring data privacy.
Data is transmitted only via the built-in xl() Python function, maintaining data integrity.
2.Python in Excel is built for teams.
Python in Excel is designed for collaborative work.
Users can confidently share Python in Excel workbooks without the need for additional tools or dependencies.
Seamless sharing via collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
Complies with organizational information protection policies through sensitivity labels.
3.Python is a formula in Excel that is easy to use and rarely causes errors.
Python in Excel offers a user-friendly way to write Python code directly in Excel cells.
No need for quotation marks, commas, or parentheses.
Includes error management and debugging features for ease of use and error prevention.
Resonating Reminder:
Understand basic Python programming.
Always back up Excel files before making programmatic changes.
Keep your Python libraries and environment up-to-date.
Utilize online resources and tutorials for guidance on specific tasks.
Part 5. Free Office Suite for Word, Excel, PowerPoint – WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and highly compatible office suite that allows users to effortlessly open, create, edit, and save Microsoft Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, on both Windows and Mac platforms. In addition to its versatility, WPS Office offers AI-powered writing tools to aid daily school study, enhancing writing and research capabilities.
Furthermore, its AI PDF feature simplifies PDF document management, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an all-in-one office solution that supports productivity and educational needs.
Features of WPS Office
Word Processor: Use the AI writer and translation tool to create papers, letters, and reports.
Spreadsheet: Use the formula wizard and data visualization tool to manage spreadsheets.
Presentation : Use a slide sorter and video editor to create presentations.
PDF Reader: View, edit, and generate PDFs with annotation and form filling.
Cloud Storage: Store files online, making them accessible and shareable from anywhere.
Steps to edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint in WPS:
Step 1 Open the WPS Office app and click on the “File”
Step 2 Browse and select the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file that you want to edit.
Step 3 Make the changes that you want using the editing tools in the WPS Office interface.
Step 4 Go to Menu > Save or Save As to save and export your file as needed.
Steps to Use WPS AI:
Step 1 Launch WPS Office and create a new document
Step 2 Access the WPS AI widget by clicking on the robot icon in the top right corner of the interface or typing “@AI”.
Step 3 Give a writing prompt or a command to the WPS AI assistant based on your needs. For example, “Write 10 slogan for a coffee shop”
Step 4 Generate content or perform tasks using the WPS AI assistant. You can review, edit, accept, or discard the results as you wish.
Step 5 Refine the prompt or use formatting and editing tools to improve your document.
FAQs
Can Python Do Everything That Excel Can?
Excel is a useful tool for basic data analysis, but for more complex tasks, especially with large datasets and advanced analytics, Python provides greater capabilities and processing power. Python is often preferred for modern data analysis needs.
Why Is Microsoft Removing VBA?
Microsoft is enhancing security in Office by changing the default behavior to block macros in files from the internet. VBA macros have been exploited by malicious actors for deploying malware and ransomware, making this change a security improvement.
Summary
In this comprehensive guide to using Python in Excel, you've explored Python's superior capabilities for automation, data analysis, and visualization within Excel. Python excels in handling complex tasks, especially with large datasets, making it a valuable tool for modern data analysis. Additionally, we've discussed Microsoft's security enhancement by restricting VBA macros from internet-sourced files.
Lastly, WPS Office is presented as a free and highly compatible office suite, featuring AI-powered writing and PDF tools, ideal for productivity and education. Whether you're new to Python or an experienced user, this guide equips you with the knowledge to leverage Python's potential in Excel and elevate your data-driven tasks.
