A new way to edit your Python formulas

Today we are excited to announce that the Python Editor is rolling out and will be generally available for Current Channel Windows users starting with 16.0.18129.20116. Last September we introduced the Python Editor as an experiment in Excel Labs. We then announced we were promoting the experiment to Insiders: Beta and now, we are excited to announce that the Python Editor is generally available, filling a gap between the availability of Python in Excel and the task pane editor.

Chart preview in Python Editor.

With the Python Editor, users can enhance their Python in Excel experience by utilizing a larger editing space for writing and editing Python formulas. It features productivity tools like Intellisense, syntax highlighting, and function help, like those found in Python notebook environments. The editor allows users to see the flow of code execution with results, edit longer chunks of code, and gain flexibility with coding workflows. The Python Editor is designed to improve usability and control when working with Python in Excel.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Python Editor in general, be sure to check out our original blog: Graduating the Python Editor

The rest of this post will cover the improvements we have made during our journey from Beta to Production.

Editor upgrades

We have been hard at work making improvements to Python Editor and are happy to announce some new changes we have made to the experience and how it integrates with Python in Excel.

Replacing the Diagnostics View

We are now replacing the old diagnostics view with the Editor. We think this gives you all the information needed, in context, to debug your code. This also means that the editor pane will make use of the setting to automatically launch the pane upon an error or print statement.

To turn off this auto-open you can check out the setting within the editor pane.

Note: This experience is rolling out in waves and will be available to more users over time.

Launch the pane automatically on errors or print statements.

Workbook Controls

Prior to the latest update, the Python Editor was limited to editing only the active sheet in the workbook. We wanted to give users a one-stop shop to view all their Python code in the workbook. With this new update, you can do just that.

Multiple Sheets

Each sheet now has its own dedicated section with a header in the Python Editor. These can be expanded and collapsed if you aren’t interested in a current set of cells in the moment.

Manage the editor with new sheet groupings.

New Filter Controls

With the addition of potentially many more Python Formulas in the view, we have also added more granular control of what you’re editing.

Granular filter controls for the editor.

Support for Excel References

One of the great things about Python in Excel is how seamlessly you can make use of data contained in the grid. We have added support for creating Excel references within the ‘xl’ function. After typing, “xl(' ')” you can select your data from the grid, just like you would with any other formula. You can also edit your reference if you select within the parameter and make a new selection.

Automatically create excel references.

New Entry points

We believe that the Python Editor should be accessible when you need it. As such, we have added several new entry points to make use of the Editor.

Thank You for Your Feedback During Preview

We appreciate everyone who tested the feature, provided early feedback, identified issues, and created content during the initial rollout within the Insiders audience. Your assistance and feedback were crucial in getting us to our current version.  We are constantly inspired by what the community has built using Python in Excel already and are excited for an improved experience to be more readily available.

We Want Your Feedback!

Excel and Python users can give feedback directly within the application (go to Help > Feedback), suggest improvements on our Feedback portal, or engage with our team on GitHub.

Availability

Python Editor:

The Python Editor is available on Windows Current Channel starting with build 16.0.18129.20116.

Python in Excel:

Python in Excel is now generally available for Windows users of Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise. With qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions, you can calculate Python formulas with standard compute and automatic recalculation mode. For faster calculations with premium compute and access to manual or partial recalculation modes, you must purchase the Python in Excel add-on license or request the license from your administrator. 

To learn more about specific details on versions and channels, please check out Python in Excel availability.

Other resources:

Python Editor Help

Introduction to Python in Excel

Getting started with Python in Excel

Learn more about Anaconda

Learn Python in Excel with LinkedIn Learning