Introduction to Python in Excel (Completed)

In this presentation author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom provides an entry level discussion of the Python programming language in Excel. Early iterations of Python are mainly geared at data scientists, so after exploring Python David will demonstrate how to carry out equivalent tasks using Excel features. He'll also compare Python to Visual Basic for Applications, as well as to Office Scripts, both of which are automation platforms that can streamline repetitive tasks. David is the author of “Exploring Microsoft Excel's Hidden Treasures: Turbocharge your Excel proficiency with expert tips, automation techniques, and overlooked features”. He demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Excel for Microsoft 365. David draws your attention to any differences in Excel 2021, 2019 or 2016 during the presentation and in his detailed handouts. The handouts include an Excel workbook with most of the examples he uses during his demonstrations. Excel for Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that receives periodic feature updates. Conversely, perpetually licensed versions have year numbers in their names and do not receive any feature updates.

Topics Covered

• Adding rows to a blank PivotTable to create instant reports
• Removing the Table feature from a worksheet if it's no longer needed
• Identifying the ideal data for analysis with Excel's PivotTable feature
• Setting queries to refresh automatically when opening a workbook that contains Power Query results
• Creating and referencing dataframes with Python in Excel
• Exploring how Python is implemented in Excel for Microsoft 365
• Streamlining the filtering of lists using the Slicer feature with tables
• Importing and cleaning up text files with Power Query in anticipation for data analysis
• Navigating through workbooks and identifying non-blank worksheet cells with the Navigation task pane in Microsoft 365
• Understanding Python's environmental requirements within Excel
• Using the Advanced Editor in Power Query to get a bird's eye view of transformation steps as well as transfer Power Query settings between workbooks
• Learning how the Table feature empowers you to improve the integrity of Excel spreadsheets

Learning Objectives

• State the functionality that the Flash Fill feature offers
• Define the purpose of the Forecast feature in Excel 2016 and later
• Recognize the color that dynamic array functions are displayed in within Excel's formula bar in all cells except the cell where the formulas was entered

Level
Advanced

Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based

NASBA Field of Study
Statistics (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
Significant prior experience with Microsoft Excel is recommended.

Advance Preparation
None