The post “Python in Excel – PyXLL vs Microsoft” first appeared on AlgoTrading101 blog.
Excerpt
What is Python in Excel?
Python can be used in Excel to allow seamless integration of the Python programming language inside the Excel application. It provides many capabilities and improvements over what standard Excel offers.
Why should I use Python in Excel?
- Python in Excel tools offer ease of extendability
- Is easy to use
- Is very powerful
- Allows for easier explanation and usage by non-tech-savvy people
- Many businesses still hold a lot of data and Excel and use it day-to-day
Why shouldn’t I use Python in Excel?
- It constrains Python and the way you’re used to building Python features and apps
- Might not be the best combination for the solution to your problem
- If you’re good with Python and building projects, Excel is a nuisance
What tools can I use to have Python in Excel?
Python in Excel tools vary and the two most popular and maintained ones are Microsoft’s Python in Excel and PyXLL which is developed and maintained by Tony Roberts.
In this article, we will explore both of these solutions and compare them head to head over several facets such as:
- Setup
- Documentation
- Ease of use
- Performance
- Extendability
- Support
Although I will try to be as objective as possible, please ensure that you do your own research and choose the tool that fits your particular needs for your particular context.
What is PyXLL?
PyXLL is a Python Add-in for Microsoft Excel that is aimed at professionals and as a replacement for VBA. It is developed for better development experience and performance.
Website: PyXLL – The Python Excel Add-in
How to use PyXLL?
Here are some examples on how to use Python with PyXLL:
How to set up PyXLL?
To set up PyXLL, we will need to have Python installed. I will create a new environment and execute the following commands:
$ pip install pyxll $ pyxll install
If you don’t know what the above code mean, then check this video on installing Python and Python packages: Windows version, Mac version.
This will take you through the installation steps. What is nice about PyXLL is that it offers you a free one-month trial without needing any credit card information. When you get to a prompt asking you for the license key say “n” if you want to use the trial.
If you want to get a license key, please navigate to the website pricing page and select the plan that works for you.
Now that we have PyXLL installed, you can check its status by running pyxll status. To configure your PyXLL, you can write pyxll configure.
In the folder you chose to install PyXLL into you will find some examples, alongside the PyXLL add-in and its configuration file. If the PyXLL add-in has been successfully installed, your Excel will load it automatically.
What is Microsoft Python in Excel?
Microsoft Python in Excel is a new feature in Excel that is developed by Microsoft which seamlessly introduces Python inside your Excel for the Microsoft 365 Insider program members. Its goal is to unlock all the capabilities of Python without the need to set it up yourself.
Website: Python in Excel – Python to Excel | Microsoft 365
How to set up Microsoft Python in Excel?
To set up Microsoft Python in Excel, you will need to have a subscription to the Microsoft Office 365 suite. They also offer a one-month free trial if you want to test it out first.
To get the subscription, navigate to the following URL and choose one of the two plans that fit your use case the most. I personally have the Microsoft 365 Family plan on a yearly subscription but any type of subscription will be suitable.
When you decide, click the “Buy Now” button and follow through with the payment process. After that, you will be redirected and will be able to install Microsoft Office 365 which will automatically validate your license through your Microsoft account.
When done, all we need to do is to open the Microsoft Office 365 app and start Excel. Then, click on the “Account” button in the lower left section of your screen. There, you will see some information about your account settings.
Press on the Microsoft 365 Insider and join it. The Beta channel is the one I have and it gives you access to beta features as they come out. Once you join, it will trigger the update of Excel that will grab these features.
Now, open a new sheet and write =PY in a cell. It will show a tooltip that you should click which will prompt you to try out Python in Excel. To execute the code in the cell press CTRL+Enter and add a new line by pressing Enter.
If everything has been set up correctly, you will see Python in your Excel menu bar.
Visit AlgoTrading101 for instructions on using Microsoft Python in Excel.
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