Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/18/python_in_excel_general_release/
Source: The Register
Title: Python in Excel goes live – but only for certain Windows users
Feedly Summary: Mac and Android loyals: you can look, but no calculation for now
Office power users, rejoice: Python in Excel is now generally available – provided you have the right license and machine. …
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Microsoft has officially launched its Python in Excel feature, allowing Windows users with a specific Microsoft 365 subscription to leverage Python scripts for analytics. The integration facilitates secure data processing while enhancing analytical capabilities, particularly through a large language model that assists users in generating Python scripts through natural language commands.
Detailed Description: The introduction of Python in Excel signifies a notable advancement in how Excel can be utilized for data analysis by integrating robust Python scripting capabilities. This development is particularly relevant for professionals working in data science, analytics, and related fields, as it not only streamlines the analytical process but also enhances collaboration between Excel and Python by leveraging data science tools like Anaconda.
Key Points:
– **Feature Launch**: This feature is now generally available to Windows users of Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise.
– **Python Integration**: Users can run Python scripts directly within their Excel workbooks, which enhances their analytical capabilities significantly.
– **Natural Language Processing**: The integration includes a large language model that enables users to generate Python scripts using simple, plain language commands via Copilot, making Python accessible to a broader range of Excel users.
– **Data Security**: Microsoft emphasizes the security of this feature by ensuring that Python processes Excel data without revealing the user’s identity. The Python code runs in a secure, isolated environment with access restricted to libraries approved by Anaconda.
– **User Accessibility**: Currently, the feature is not available on unsupported platforms like Mac and Android for executing scripts, although viewing Python code is possible. Microsoft has plans to expand support for these platforms in the future.
– **Cost Structure**: While basic access to Python in Excel is included for eligible Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise users, advanced features and options are available via a premium subscription, set at $24 per user per month or $240 per user per year.
– **Existing Users**: Users who had access to the preview version will not lose functionality when the feature transitions to a general release.
Overall, the launch of Python in Excel reflects an alignment between data analysis needs and technological advancement, offering significant implications for analytics professionals and organizations seeking more versatile tools for data handling and statistical analysis within familiar interfaces. This integration may also raise considerations for security practices and compliance as organizations enhance their data-processing capabilities using tools like Python that operate within Excel environments.