Microsoft has introduced new regex modes to Excel for its Microsoft 365 Insider program users. The updates enhance the XLOOKUP and XMATCH functions, available on both Windows and Mac versions of Excel.
Regex patterns in Excel are special sequences of characters that define search patterns for text. They allow you to find, extract, replace, and validate text within cells based on specific rules. The tool can be used for tasks like extracting email addresses, phone numbers, or dates from text data.
The new feature enables users to utilize regex patterns in the XLOOKUP and XMATCH functions by setting the `[match_mode]` parameter to 3. Microsoft says the enhancement supports matching specific text patterns in cells, including digits `[0-9]`, letters `[a-z]`, and any character `.`. Additionally, it accommodates patterns like `a*` for zero or more occurrences of “a” and `a+` for one or more occurrences, enhancing the flexibility of data searches.
AI Assistance with Copilot
To streamline the creation of regex patterns, Microsoft has integrated its AI tool, Copilot, which generates regex tokens based on user input. This tool is intended to assist users who find regex syntax challenging.
Currently, only Microsoft 365 Insiders in the Beta channel can access these new functionalities. The required versions are Version 2408 (Build 17931.20000) for Windows and Version 16.89 (Build 24080715) for Mac. There is no specified timeline for a wider release.
Microsoft has not yet scheduled a general release for these advanced regex modes. The company continues to enhance Excel, providing more robust tools for data analysis and manipulation.
Python Upgrade and Support in Excel
Last month, Microsoft brought a Python editor to Excel. The Anaconda Toolbox changes this by allowing Python code to run locally, utilizing WebAssembly technology. Using the feature eliminates the need for additional installations and complex setups, offering more control over Python environments.
