Microsoft integrates Python natively into Excel – now in preview

Microsoft Excel has announced that it has integrated Python directly into its platform by releasing a Public Preview of Python in Excel. This integration enables users to employ Python’s analytical capabilities in Excel. By incorporating Python libraries, data visualization, and analysis can be conveniently executed in Excel. This comes after Microsoft Excel updated one of the spreadsheet’s oldest features earlier this month.

Python in Excel is now natively integrated into the Excel grid. Users can input Python code directly into Excel cells using the new “=PY” function. Excel users can seamlessly use Python alongside formulas, charts, and PivotTables.

Python libraries such as pandas, matplotlib, and scikit-learn provide a range of analytics capabilities, including data visualization, data cleaning, machine learning, and predictive analytics. This integration grants access to these capabilities via Python.

It leverages the Anaconda Distribution for Python, a widely-used repository for Python libraries. This ensures that users can access various popular Python libraries and tools that Anaconda securely built, tested, and supported.

Anaconda CEO and co-founder Peter Wang said

I am thrilled to announce the integration of Anaconda Distribution for Python into Microsoft Excel – a major breakthrough that will transform the workflow of millions of Excel users around the world.

Moreover, users can share workbooks containing Python code with teammates. Collaboration can occur through familiar tools such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook, and sensitivity labels ensure compliance with information protection policies.