Howdy everyone! It's been too long, sorry about that.
So I've been obsessing lately with Python, and wanted to share my newfound respect and obsession. In fact, I actually created a blog completely devoted to Python, which will focus on its use for CPAs and accountants. I haven't actually started posting on that blog yet, but I have some plans for it.
If you have never heard of Python, or are familiar with it but haven't used it much, it's awesome and I encourage checking it out. There are some great free resources online to learn from, including several great courses on Coursera. My favorite is the Rice University series.
Afraid of Python because you're not a programmer? No fear! It uses mostly plain English and simple statements. Of course it can get massively complex, and looking at new code and libraries and all of the different options for writing and using it can get daunting, but if you start small and basic, you'll quickly learn how powerful it is.
Why would you care about Python? Because it's MEGA POWERFUL. I used to think Vlookups, Sumifs, and Pivot Tables were the next level in Excel. Visual Basic definitely is up there in the next level category in excel of data analysis and performing many calculations. BUT in the Excel world, there are limits. And there's a lot of room for errors. With something like Python, especially Pandas (more on that later, in the python blog), you can have HUGE amounts of data, and perform analysis and calcluations much more efficiently, accurately, and consistently.
I'll keep most of the Python specific things on that blog, however if there's something I add on this blog that can also be done in Python, I'll mention it on here.
Check it out!
Cheers,
Daniel
