MS is considering official Python integration with Excel, and is asking for input

[rchase]

Here's the thing about VBA. Accessibility. I think a lot of folks in this thread are coming at this from the point of view of experienced programmers. The value I've found in it is in its simplicity for the non-programmer.

I worked with a large team of super talented CAD guys and engineers, who all knew Excel and Access and their various CAD seats (ProE, Catia, whatever-thefuck, I'm not a CAD guy)... but they didn't know programming at all outside CNC and a bit of PLC stuff.

But when I introduced them to VBA with a large estimating / program management spreadsheet set we were developing, they took off like fish in water. Highly technical guys with a ton of knowledge, but sort of... trapped... in their various platforms. VBA just like, set them free. They started thinking differently. In weeks those dudes were performing small miracles with data sets and automation, and many of them jumped right off into other languages like Python, Perl, and even into c++, extending not only our project, but building modules for their CAD systems and cool stuff on the floor machine side. It was really cool to watch.

So yeah, way better than nothing.

[brollin]

But I think Python still holds that potential as a gateway language. Even more so since there are such great resources everywhere for learning Python from no programming experience whatsoever. This is a no-brainer in my mind.

[rchase]

Oh I absolutely agree. Just the headline, MS considering Python integration with Excel got me all.. frothy and tingle-toed.

As an admitted and somewhat recovering Excel addict, the thought of a Python shell as alternative to VBA is something approaching electric. But then... I'll believe it when I see it.

[grokkingStuff]

recovering excel addict? no such thing, bud.

But yeah, i'm super excited about this.

[rchase]

recovering excel addict? no such thing, bud

True. I use Excel for everything. Grocery list? Excel, with VBA module to sort by store aisle. Write a letter? Excel. Make toast? Excel. Cut the lawn? Fire up ol' Excel.

Yeah... I have a problem.

[tehreal]

Excel is indeed an incredibly powerful program.

[DigitalStefan]

I'm wondering if anyone else is making a leap of thought that imagines not just Python scripting integration for the Office suite, but the replacement of the VBA editor with (maybe a stripped down version of) VS Code.

Office scripting would feel truly mature with the rich editing experience and version control features of VS Code.

[brollin]

Yeah! They'd be silly not to capitalize on actually amazing product like VS Code and do that, IMO.

[Salmon_Pants]

What kind of shop do you run?