Microsoft Adds Python Programming to Excel Spreadsheets

pcmag.com:

Microsoft is introducing the ability to use Python code directly in Excel spreadsheets.

It's called Python in Excel, and it's being made available as a Public Preview for Microsoft 365 Insiders using the Beta Channel in Excel for Windows.

Excel already supports formulas, functions, and Visual Basic for Applications to help manipulate data, but by natively integrating Python directly into the Excel grid, Microsoft is unlocking a range of new data analytics options. That includes an easy way to import external data and access to well-known Python libraries.

Microsoft's examples of what Python integration allows you to do includes advanced visualizations and charting, advanced data cleaning techniques, and even machine learning capabilities for predictive analysis and forecasting techniques (regression analysis, time series modeling).

The addition of Python was made possible by leveraging the enterprise Python repository Anaconda and there's no setup required. All Python code will run in the cloud using "its own hypervisor isolated container using Azure Container Instances and secure, source-built packages from Anaconda through a secure software supply chain."

Guido van Rossum, the creator of Python and Microsoft Distinguished Engineer helped define the architecture for Python in Excel. Commenting on the release, van Rossum said:

"I’m excited that this excellent, tight integration of Python and Excel is now seeing the light of day. I expect that both communities will find interesting new uses in this collaboration, amplifying each partner's abilities. When I joined Microsoft three years ago, I would not have dreamed this would be possible. The Excel team excels!"

Last month, Microsoft announced 365 users can expect to see a