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Excel and spreadsheets in general are horrible in many ways, but being proficient in them is a basic life skill at this point and should be taught at school if

Excel and spreadsheets in general are horrible in many ways, but being proficient in them is a basic life skill at this point and should be taught at school if it isn't already. It's not just analysis; data representation, manipulation and collaboration are essential parts as well (especially the last one). Being able to quickly import numbers, format and surface the important part and show it to someone to discuss and tweak in real time makes a world of difference.

ekianjo 3y ago
in python and R you can do a very complex graph in one line of code while it would require 30 clicks at least to do the same thing in Excel when its even possible. the power of abstraction.
- Vaslo 3y ago
  In excel I click on a block of data and click on the graph I want and it appears. I use Python (Pandas) and Matplotlib pretty proficiently and I haven’t found a need to sub those for an excel graph. No picky data types. No installing and teaching someone Jupiter or Pandas or an IDE. The anti tech sales guy can just change the data in the cell, or pull the little box down. Or double click in the graph where he wants to insert a title. You’re fighting a losing battle here. I have need for Python in what I do, but none of my Finance partners do. Coding has to get much much simpler before it will ever replace excel. I’d bet money you are also the person who wonders why the world uses Windows over Linux for many tasks. When you can answer why regular people choose Excel over code and why regular people choose Windows over Linux, you’ll get it, and you can make a positive change in code to bring Linux and Code more mainstream.
  - Given_47 3y ago
    Tbf, MPL can be an absolute pain to work with. Generally tho idk if it’s a good idea to optimize for usability from sales dude
- _dain_ 3y ago
  >very complex graph in one line of code in matplotlib? get outta here

ekianjo 3y ago

in python and R you can do a very complex graph in one line of code while it would require 30 clicks at least to do the same thing in Excel when its even possible. the power of abstraction.

Vaslo 3y ago
In excel I click on a block of data and click on the graph I want and it appears. I use Python (Pandas) and Matplotlib pretty proficiently and I haven’t found a need to sub those for an excel graph. No picky data types. No installing and teaching someone Jupiter or Pandas or an IDE. The anti tech sales guy can just change the data in the cell, or pull the little box down. Or double click in the graph where he wants to insert a title. You’re fighting a losing battle here. I have need for Python in what I do, but none of my Finance partners do. Coding has to get much much simpler before it will ever replace excel. I’d bet money you are also the person who wonders why the world uses Windows over Linux for many tasks. When you can answer why regular people choose Excel over code and why regular people choose Windows over Linux, you’ll get it, and you can make a positive change in code to bring Linux and Code more mainstream.
- Given_47 3y ago
  Tbf, MPL can be an absolute pain to work with. Generally tho idk if it’s a good idea to optimize for usability from sales dude
_dain_ 3y ago
>very complex graph in one line of code in matplotlib? get outta here