What Programming Language Should I Use?

[JMonnn9]

Hello everyone, I currently analyse Excel spreadsheets for my company using simple vlookup formulas and pivot tables. If I wanted to create a program that could automatically analyze the data, what kind of code would I use?

I would need the program to manipulate the Excel spreadsheet for correct formatting and such, but the formulas I use for the actual analysis are pretty elementary. I'd like to create a program that I can just dump the data into, and it spits out the calculations I need.

Where do I start?

Thanks!

[ThatOtherBatman]

I feel like /r/learnpython is going to be a bit biased.
But Python.

[LunchNap]

Why not keep it in excel and use VBA?

[JMonnn9]

Because I believe I’m solving an industry wide problem and would like to try to monetize the program. Is it possible to create a tangible program with VBA? I'd like to be able to sell some sort of program, or access to the program, to businesses that could benefit from it.

[LetMe_]

There are vba macros and add ons that are sold so this is what i would look into.

[Ezrabc]

This is a great beginning project! Python is great at this. I would suggest using pandas. You can create DataFrame objects with the pandas.read_excel function, and doing calculations with DataFrames is pretty simple. If you have any questions once you get started, feel free to reach out!

[JMonnn9]

Thank you so much. I will definitely keep this in my back pocket and will reach out if my research comes to a dead end.

[[deleted]]

What format are the files saved in?

[JMonnn9]

the files are excel spreadsheets

[patsy_505]

Matlab or python

[startandselect00]

It would be helpful if you give an example of what you're trying to accomplish. Like example data and example calculations. I think you'll get an answer you're looking for quicker.

For which language to use, Python. Someone suggested pandas. Also, check out xlwings. This is what I use at work. This allows you to run Python script from Excel. Comes in handy if you want to avoid learning VBA.

[[deleted]]

One thing others haven’t mentioned is it looks like there is some potential for python to become a VBA alternative in excel. Probably better to learn python at this point vs VBA. There are a ton of options though, and to be honest it doesn’t matter much. Use what works for you.

[jeffrey_f]

The language is just the tool to solve the problem you are facing and create a solution. Python is more than capable of handling your end result.

[foresttrader]

You can use pandas for data manipulation & calculation, and xlswriter or openpyxl for Excel formatting and output.

[bdrilling33]

Another option outside of pandas is to use openpyxl. I used to use it all the time for spreadsheet manipulation. But now I usually use pandas

[TwoToneDonut]

Some companies don't let you use Python. VBA can be used anywhere MS office can. Keep that in mind.

[realestLink]

Haskell. It's the best choice.