Excel vs. Python for Engineering Tools

What do you typically use to create an engineering application, Excel or Python??

Microsoft Excel is a familiar tool for many and can be easily used for calculations and data presentations, but users may run into problems with it when things get complex.?

Python is a robust and powerful programming language with a vast ecosystem of data analytics tools, but also requires a bit more know-how to use.

We will go through our thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks in different categories related to engineering tool development. As a note, these are solely our opinions.

Let’s compare the two to see how they stack up while creating engineering apps:?

Maintenance and Scalability?

Excel?

Pros: There is no question that Excel is familiar! They also have extensive documentation and community support.?

Cons: There can be difficulty in maintaining and scaling the Excel sheet as it grows, with potential for versioning issues and data inconsistency. Using VBA for automations can be an option but at that point, you are already programming.

Python?

Pros: Python is easier to maintain and scale with code, and there is the benefit of version control via Git. Many SW engineering tools are built especially for this type of work. It is designed for growth with capabilities to handle larger datasets efficiently and interface easily with almost anything else SW-related.?

Cons: If you have never programmed before, the learning curve is steeper.?

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Data Integrity and Security?

Excel?

Pros: There are built-in security features in Excel, and IT departments may be more familiar with the program.?

Cons: Users can easily alter Excel sheets (intentionally or accidentally), which risks data integrity.?

Python?

Pros: Data validation and integrity can be more tightly controlled with custom development in Python.?

Cons: Of course, it’s also possible to create insecure and unreliable Python code, so it takes work to do research and find?libraries that can help you. ?

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User Experience?

Excel?

Pros: It has a familiar interface for many users, with no need to learn new software for basic interaction.?

Cons: Significant delays in data updates and processing can occur as things grow. Exploration and iteration can be cumbersome due to manual steps, which creates a disconnect in the analysis workflow. Hiding calculations and creating interactive interfaces are limited or require you to use VBA.?

Python?

Pros: Real-time data updates and interactions, customizable UI for an optimized user experience, and faster iteration and exploration. It also can integrate with specialized apps.?

Cons: There is a learning curve for a new interface, which depends on design and implementation quality.?

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Cost?

Excel?

Pros: Existing licenses may cover some costs and the subscription fees are predictable. If it is your existing platform, it is already developed and paid for.?

Cons: Costs for consulting and external development can be high. There is potential for escalating costs as additional features are needed.?

Python?

Pros: Python is free and open source, which means you can use existing source code from developers. There is also the potential for cost saving in long-term development and maintenance with an in-house team.?

Cons: There are initial costs for development and setup, as well as the potential need to hire additional skilled personnel.?

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Flexibility and Customization?

Excel?

Pros: Excel offers a degree of customization and web apps can be tailored to some extent.?

Cons: Users are limited by the capabilities of Excel.??

Python?

Pros: There is a high degree of flexibility and customization in Python, with the ability to directly manipulate the data and UI. Users are empowered to make changes internally.?

Cons: It does require technical expertise to fully execute changes.??

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What do we recommend??

It really does depend on what your needs are! If Excel is working for you and you aren't running into problems, then there is no need to change. If you have time and are open to learning Python, though, there are benefits to making the switch and expanding your possibilities for your engineering tools.

We think Python is the better choice for those who want to use more advanced code and develop professional apps and software. Python allows you to share your code, make the code modular, create parameters, and customize it without being tied to Microsoft licenses or limited functionality.??

While Excel provides familiarity and may seem like a lower barrier to entry initially, its limitations in scalability, maintenance, and user experience pose significant challenges, especially if you aim to build a core product to offer as a service.??

Want to create production-ready software??

We suggest using Python and Numerous together to develop, host, and share your apps. Numerous takes care of app hosting, cloud infrastructure, and database setup, while leveraging Python for implementing business logic and user interface.?

Numerous is a startup building an innovative digital platform, empowering in-house specialists using high-level coding languages like Python.?

Numerous hosts the apps and augments your app with:?

• Security & User Management?
• Persistence of App Sessions?
• Collaborative Workflows?
• Resource Scaling??

You can deliver production-grade apps without needing a software team. You can enable collaboration internally or enable new revenue streams externally by delivering applications in a fast and secure way. For enterprises, we offer aid in app development and platform configuration.?

To learn more, visit numerous.com or reach out to us at [email protected].?