Microsoft integrates Python into Excel. With no installation requirements, you can use Python code in Excel to visualize or analyze data.

Microsoft inserts a new function in Excel: PY. Behind this function you can use code in Python directly in Excel. Python is compatible with Excel features such as formulas, pivot tables, and charts. The integration opens up numerous possibilities, of which Microsoft highlights a few important ones.

• visualizations: about popular libraries like Matplotlib And Seaborn You can create new and complex charts.
• machine learning: Libraries like learn shit And statistical models help you apply machine learning and predictive analytics techniques to data right in Excel.
• clean data: Users can use Python to clean up datasets, for example by standardizing them, removing duplicates, or transforming them based on patterns.

Python integration is provided entirely by Microsoft. Users don’t need to install anything. The functionality is part of Microsoft 365 but requires a connection to the internet. Finally, the Python code runs in the cloud. Microsoft emphasizes that the code runs in its own isolated container, so the data stays private.

Microsoft is working with Anaconda for support. Anaconda offers enterprise-level support for Python and is already working with Snowflake to integrate the programming language into this platform.

The Python integration has the same capabilities as other features in Excel right out of the box. In other words, you can continue collaborating on the same document or share (parts of) a spreadsheet via email or Teams.

Availability

Microsoft is initially introducing Python to users in the Windows Beta Channel. So you have to be an insider to get started. Excel for Windows will get Python first, but other platforms will also support the popular programming language in the future. At this time, Python is in preview part of a standard Microsoft 365 license. With general availability, Microsoft plans to put certain features behind a paid license.