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PyXLL was naturally appealing to me as I am someone who uses Excel on a regular basis for a variety of jobs and also has a predilection for making use of the power that Python provides. This add-in for Excel has been lauded as a tool that easily bridges the gap between Excel’s in-built capabilities and the flexibility of Python.
It has received a lot of praise for this achievement. It would not be an exaggeration to state that PyXLL has completely revolutionized the way that I operate. However, just like with any other piece of software, there will come a point when you will need to investigate other options, whether it is to improve your productivity or because you have financial limits.
Best PyXLL Alternatives
PyXLL is a popular Excel add-in that lets Python developers easily integrate Python code with Excel. It’s popular for adding Python functions and automating operations to Excel. However, PyXLL alternatives may be needed. This article discusses why you might want PyXLL alternatives, how to choose them, and several top options that can meet your needs.
xlwings
Features:
My research took me to xlwings, which is a name that has become well-known among Python fans. The first thing that struck me was that it wasn’t just a good option, but that it was also free and open source. Because of this, it could be used by a wide group of people, from hobbyists to small businesses.
After looking into xlwings, I found that it was easy to use, had a busy community, and had a wealth of documentation. It was amazing how easy it was to work with Excel on both Mac and Windows. Even though it may not have as many advanced tools as PyXLL, it met most of my Excel automation needs.
The Good
- User-friendly and well-documented.
- Active community and frequent updates.
- Free and open source.
The Bad
- Limited support for advanced Excel features.
openpyxl
Features:
As I proceeded with my investigation, I came across openpyxl, a Python library that was developed particularly for the purpose of reading and writing Excel files. I liked how easy to use it was and how lightweight it was, despite the fact that it does not give the same level of Excel automation as PyXLL. It was very much like having a reliable assistant to help with the Excel file manipulation jobs.
My toolkit was improved by the addition of openpyxl due to the fact that it is a free and open source program that is also compatible with a variety of Excel file types. In spite of the fact that it could need some Python programming for automation, it is quite good at properly managing Excel file operations.
The Good
- Simple and lightweight.
- Ideal for Excel file manipulation tasks.
- Open source and well-maintained.
The Bad
- Doesn’t provide direct Excel automation.
win32com
Features:
Win32com is a moniker that frequently comes up in conversations with Windows users who are looking for an alternative to PyXLL. It is included in the PyWin32 package and provides extensive control over Excel. Because of this, it is an excellent option for performing advanced automation tasks.
However, it is important to keep in mind that win32com is only available for Windows and requires a solid knowledge of COM (the Component Object Model). It is a strong contender if you work in an environment that is primarily based on Windows and if you have the necessary experience.
The Good
- Comprehensive control over Excel.
- Works well for advanced automation tasks.
- Suitable for Windows-based environments.
The Bad
- Requires a good understanding of COM.
pywinauto
Features:
Pywinauto, as its name suggests, is an application that specializes in graphical user interface (GUI) automation for Windows applications like Excel. It comes in especially handy whenever the automation tasks you’re working on include interacting with the graphical user interface that Excel provides.
Even though it might not cover all of the functionality that PyXLL has, it excels at easily automating tasks that are linked to the graphical user interface (GUI). In addition, it is a dependable option because it is open source and is continuously developed.
The Good
- Excellent for automating Excel GUI.
- Works with various Windows applications.
- Open source and actively maintained.
The Bad
- Focused on GUI automation, may not cover all Excel features.
pyautogui
Features:
When you need to model how a user interacts with Excel, pyautogui is a great tool to have on your side. Even though it doesn’t work directly with Excel, it is very good at automating jobs that involve simulating mouse and keyboard actions. It works on any device, is easy to use, and is good for automating simple tasks in Excel.
In the end, looking for the best alternative to PyXLL is a journey full of options that suit different wants and tastes. Each of these options has its own skills and abilities, and which one you choose will depend on your needs. I thought that xlwings was a great free and open-source option that was both easy to use and had a lot of features.
The Good
- Platform-independent.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Well-suited for basic Excel automation.
The Bad
- Limited to simulating user interactions.
Why Look for PyXLL Alternatives?
Even though PyXLL is a strong option for integrating Excel and Python, there are a few reasons why you might want to look elsewhere:
- Cost: PyXLL can be pricey, especially for small businesses or people who use it on their own.
- Restrictions on licensing: PyXLL is a commercial tool with licensing rules that might not work for your project.
- Compatibility is limited. It may not work with all versions of Excel or all use cases.
- Wanting Open Source: Some users like open-source options because they are flexible and have help from the community.
Questions and Answers
Yes, xlwings and openpyxl work with macOS and offer support for other platforms.
Yes, win32com and pywinauto are powerful automatic tools, but they only work with Windows.
Yes, xlwings, openpyxl, and pyautogui are all options that are free and open source.