Chapter 1: The Long-Awaited Announcement

It’s official! Python is now integrated into Excel!

For those who have been following my updates, you may remember that a year ago I shared my expectations about this integration. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how we got here.

Four years back, Microsoft hinted at the possibility of incorporating Python as a scripting option for its flagship spreadsheet application, Excel.

Fast forward two years, and there were further indications from Microsoft regarding Python’s potential in Excel.

In my previous articles, I suggested that while there wasn’t a concrete implementation yet, it seemed likely that discussions were underway. Most importantly, if it were entirely unfeasible, I believe we would have received a definitive no by this point.

As of August 2023, I can proudly say that my predictions have come true! On August 22, Microsoft made a significant announcement confirming that Excel would indeed support Python:

Today, we’re thrilled to share the launch of the Public Preview of Python in Excel.

This feature is currently being rolled out to users enrolled in the Microsoft 365 Insiders program via the Beta Channel for Excel on Windows.

With the new version of Excel, users will be able to employ Python for writing formulas:

But that’s not all! Users will also have the ability to create data frames:

Visualizations are also on the table:

And even machine learning capabilities:

Additionally, users can clean their data more efficiently:

I am genuinely impressed by the extensive integration of Python into Excel. It appears to be a perfect match, offering a much-needed relief from traditional Excel syntax that many of us have struggled with.

One of my concerns was whether we could also write macros using Python, and I’m pleased to report that this functionality is indeed available.

However, it’s important to note that Python in Excel is currently limited to the desktop preview version for Windows, with no availability on Mac or online platforms yet. A comprehensive guide is also accessible online.

This development is thrilling for both Excel enthusiasts and Python developers. It will significantly enhance the way Excel can be utilized, particularly in machine learning—an exciting prospect!

Additionally, Python developers will have the opportunity to apply their skills in this new domain.

Stay tuned for more updates! If you had subscribed a year ago, you would have known that Python in Excel was on the horizon!

Chapter 2: The Future of Excel with Python

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