Microsoft Empowers Data Analysis with Python Integration in Excel

by Kay Lee

Microsoft has unveiled a game-changing integration by introducing Python support to Excel. This collaboration between Excel and Python aims to enhance data analysis and visualization capabilities, marking a significant advancement for both communities.

In an effort to simplify the process of data manipulation and analysis, Microsoft has seamlessly incorporated the widely used programming language Python into Excel. This new feature, currently available in the public preview phase, empowers Excel users to effortlessly work with Python plots and libraries for data manipulation and exploration.

Stefan Kinnestrand, the General Manager of Modern Work at Microsoft, elaborated on the integration, stating, "You can manipulate and explore data in Excel using Python plots and libraries, and then use Excel's formulas, charts and PivotTables to further refine your insights. Now you can do advanced data analysis in the familiar Excel environment by accessing Python directly from the Excel ribbon. No set up or installation is required. Using Excel's built-in connectors and Power Query, you can easily bring external data into Python in Excel workflows."

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The collaboration goes beyond just data manipulation. Microsoft is introducing a new PY function that facilitates the display of Python data within Excel's spreadsheet grid. By partnering with Anaconda, a prominent enterprise Python repository, Microsoft is ensuring access to renowned Python libraries like pandas, statsmodels, and Matplotlib within Excel.

Guido van Rossum, the creator of Python, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the amplified potential this integration will offer to both communities.

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As of now, Python integration in Excel is available as a public preview exclusively for Microsoft 365 Insiders in the Beta Channel. While initially limited to the Windows platform, Microsoft plans to expand its availability to other platforms in the future.