Yes, Excel now allows Python to be used as a coding language within the application. Microsoft introduced this capability in July 2023, in partnership with Anaconda. It allows users to run Python code directly in Excel, making it easier to perform complex data analysis, statistical calculations, and data visualization directly within the workbook. This integration is available in Excel for Microsoft 365 subscribers (currently in preview).
Key Features
1. Python in the Excel Environment: You can write Python code in a cell by using the =PY() function, allowing Python to coexist with Excel’s native functions. This makes it easy to combine Excel formulas with Python-powered calculations.
2. Data Analysis and Visualization: With Python integrated, you can leverage popular libraries like pandas, matplotlib, and seaborn for data manipulation and visualization, enabling more advanced analysis than what’s possible with Excel formulas alone.
3. Seamless Integration: The output from Python code (e.g., data frames or visualizations) can be displayed in Excel cells or as charts. You can use Python to process data and then display the results in the Excel grid, making it easier to handle complex calculations.
4. Security and Compatibility: Microsoft has made this feature available within a secure environment by partnering with Anaconda, a trusted Python distribution, ensuring the libraries are up-to-date and safe to use.
How to Use Python in Excel
1. Access the Python Function: Type =PY() in a cell, and inside the function, write your Python code. For example:
=PY("import pandas as pd; df = pd.DataFrame({'A': [1, 2], 'B': [3, 4]}); df")
2. Run and Display Results: Excel will process the Python code and display the result directly in the cell or as a visual if it’s a plot.
This feature is expected to expand over time, with Microsoft planning further enhancements to the integration. To access it, ensure your Excel version is updated and that you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. For more information, refer to the official Microsoft blog post.