To provide native Python support to Excel, Microsoft collaborated with the industry-leading Python repository provider, Anaconda. Using this interface, data practitioners may easily run Python code inside Excel for data analytics and machine learning without resorting to cumbersome third-party tools. Microsoft’s goal in developing this cutting-edge feature was to solve the issue that many data practitioners have when trying to use Python’s capability inside Excel without the need for any additional add-ons or setups.
Improving Data Analysis Efficiency with Python and Excel
Microsoft has revealed that the “PY” feature in Excel would allow users to enter Python code straight into worksheet columns. Excel receives the results of the Python computations performed in the Microsoft cloud, complete with plots and visualizations. With this native interface, users may use Excel’s formulae, PivotTables, and Excel Charts to conduct a variety of activities, from data cleansing and predictive analytics to machine learning.
The Development of Excel’s Python Integration
Python and Excel integration has been a work in progress for years. In 2014, Zoomer Analytics unveiled Xlwings, a Python library that bridges the gap between Excel spreadsheets and Python programs for two-way communication. The data science community took notice of this package, which was provided under the BSD license and cleared the way for Python to integrate with Excel.
Significant progress was also made in this area by Continuum Analytics, the company behind Anaconda. In 2017, they released Anaconda Fusion, a technology that integrates Anaconda for enterprise with Excel 2016 and later. Data scientists were able to integrate Python code and Jupyter notebooks to communicate their work with Excel users.
Python Enhancement of Excel
Utilizing well-known Python modules for machine learning, predictive analytics, and forecasting methods is one of the primary benefits of Python’s native integration with Excel. Microsoft has highlighted two popular libraries, scikit-learn and statsmodels, which let data practitioners employ complex analytics techniques like regression analysis and time series modeling without leaving Excel. This connection enables businesses to maximize the value of Excel spreadsheet data and take informed action.
Integration of External Data Sources into Data Workflows
Users may simply integrate external data into their Python processes with the help of Excel’s built-in connectors and Power Query capability. Through this smooth connection, data practitioners may access the plethora of data sources outside Excel, broadening the breadth of their research and improving the accuracy and insights of their data-driven models.
What’s Currently Available
Users of Windows’s Beta Channel may try out the newly integrated Python in Excel in a public beta right now. Excel for Windows version 16.0.16818.20000 will be the first to get the update before it’s made available on other platforms. Users must sign up for the Microsoft 365 Insider Program in order to have access to this feature. Although Python in Excel is included in the Microsoft 365 subscription during the sample time, once the preview ends, certain features may be disabled unless a premium license is purchased.
Conclusion
For data analytics and machine learning, Microsoft’s native integration of Python in Excel represents a watershed moment. Microsoft has made it simpler for data practitioners to take use of Python’s capacity for data analysis and modeling by doing away with the requirement for extra setup and enabling seamless access to Python’s capabilities inside Excel. Excel has become an even more potent tool for businesses trying to extract important insights from their data thanks to the incorporation of popular Python modules and the ability to add other data sources. The potential of data-driven decision making is expanding along with Python’s incorporation into Excel.
See first source: Computer World
FAQ
1. What is the collaboration between Microsoft and Anaconda regarding Excel and Python?
Microsoft has collaborated with Anaconda, a leading Python repository provider, to offer native Python support within Excel. This integration allows users to run Python code directly inside Excel for data analytics and machine learning, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
2. How does the “PY” feature in Excel work?
The “PY” feature in Excel enables users to enter Python code directly into worksheet columns. Excel processes the Python computations in the Microsoft cloud and presents the results, including plots and visualizations, in the spreadsheet. This integration allows users to perform various tasks, from data cleansing to machine learning, using Excel’s familiar features.
3. What is the background of Python and Excel integration?
Python and Excel integration has been evolving for years. Initiatives like Xlwings and Anaconda Fusion have paved the way for Python’s integration with Excel, allowing data scientists to communicate their work with Excel users.
4. What are the benefits of Python’s integration with Excel?
Python’s integration with Excel enhances data analysis by allowing the use of well-known Python modules for machine learning, predictive analytics, and forecasting. Libraries like scikit-learn and statsmodels enable users to perform complex analytics techniques within Excel.
5. How does Excel’s integration with external data sources work?
Excel’s built-in connectors and Power Query capability enable users to easily integrate external data into their Python processes. This integration expands the scope of data sources available to data practitioners, enhancing the accuracy and insights of their data-driven models.
6. How can users access the integrated Python feature in Excel?
Users on Windows’s Beta Channel can access the integrated Python feature in Excel’s public beta. The feature will be available in Excel for Windows version 16.0.16818.20000 before being rolled out to other platforms. Users need to sign up for the Microsoft 365 Insider Program to gain access.
7. Is there a cost associated with using Python in Excel?
Python in Excel is included in the Microsoft 365 subscription during the preview period. However, certain features may be disabled after the preview ends unless a premium license is purchased.
8. How does Python’s integration impact data-driven decision making?
Microsoft’s integration of Python in Excel enhances the platform’s capabilities for data analytics and machine learning. It simplifies access to Python’s powerful capabilities and modules, making Excel an even more potent tool for businesses seeking valuable insights from their data. This integration expands the potential for data-driven decision making.
9. What is the significance of the native Python integration for Excel users?
The native integration of Python in Excel is a significant milestone, enabling data practitioners to seamlessly utilize Python’s capabilities for data analysis and modeling. This integration eliminates the need for extra setup and enhances Excel’s potential for extracting insights from data, ultimately contributing to more informed decision making.
10. How does Excel’s integration with Python benefit businesses?
Excel’s integration with Python benefits businesses by providing access to Python’s powerful modules for data analysis and modeling. This integration enhances the capabilities of Excel, allowing businesses to extract valuable insights from their data and make informed decisions based on accurate analytics.
Featured Imaged Credit: Chris Ried; Unsplash – Thank you!
