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Microsoft Releases and Patents 'Python In Excel'

Microsoft Releases and Patents 'Python In Excel' - Slashdot

https://developers.slashdot.org/story/24/09/18/0210233/microsoft-releases-and-patents-python-in-excel

Longtime Slashdot reader theodp writes: Python in Excel is now generally available for Windows users of Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise," Microsoft announced in a Monday blog post. "Last August, in partnership with Anaconda, we introduced an exciting new addition to Excel by integrating Pytho...

Python in Excel is now generally available for Windows users of Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise," Microsoft announced in a Monday blog post. "Last August, in partnership with Anaconda, we introduced an exciting new addition to Excel by integrating Python, making it possible to seamlessly combine Python and Excel analytics within the same workbook, no setup required.

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nkat2112

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Can someone help me understand this?

While drawing criticism for limiting Python execution to locked-down Azure cloud containers, Python in Excel has also earned accolades from the likes of Python creator Guido van Rossum, now a Microsoft Distinguished Engineer, as well as Pandas creator Wes McKinney.

Does this mean the creator of the Python language is a Microsoft employee now?

Further, does this mean that Python in spreadsheets only works in the cloud MS Office?

Then there's this:

Left unmentioned in Monday's announcement is that Microsoft managed to convince the USPTO to issue it a patent in July 2024 on the Enhanced Integration of Spreadsheets With External Environments (alt. source), which Microsoft explains covers the "implementation of enhanced integrations of native spreadsheet environments with external resources such as-but not limited to-Python." All of which may come as a surprise to software vendors and individuals that were integrating Excel and external programming environments years before Microsoft filed its patent application in September 2022.

What are the implications now that this patent has been granted - considering there is nothing new with running scripting languages in spreadsheet applications like Libre Office Calc?

And I wonder: if a spreadsheet application vendor wanted to incorporate scripting in Python in their application, could they be hindered from doing so?

I'm curious to hear the thoughts of others on any of this news. Thank you.

BrikoX

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Does this mean the creator of the Python language is a Microsoft employee now?

Yes, he is employed by Microsoft now. He did step down from Python as BDFL in 2018.

Further, does this mean that Python in spreadsheets only works in the cloud MS Office?

It's not technically limited to only Microsoft Cloud, but Azure-powered services, but it's kind of the same.

Implications from the patent being granted are yet to be seen, but it's not looking good. It will severely limit external tools if MS decides to enforce the patent.

nkat2112

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Thank you very much for taking time to reply - and for the added context!