Microsoft Excel is the bread & butter for your professional survival. Learn how to use it since you are gonna need it sooner or later.
There are countless tools to work with data and more of them are emerging with every passing year. Despite the enormous number of options, you will struggle to find one that is as universal as MS Excel. I am not saying it will solve all your data-related challenges but it will be more than enough for the vast majority of them.
Why is Microsoft Excel so special?
First of all, it is accessible and cheap since it comes with the standard MS Office package. However, the main reason for its popularity is not about the price, it is about user experience. It is simple, practical and powerful!
Simplicity
Working with data on a few sheets of cells is extremely intuitive. All the data and tools you need are right there and you have all the freedom you want. MS Office tools also share multiple controls and most of us are familiar with at least one program in the package.
There are no complex API-s, no backend-frontend split, no SQL language and no coding skills needed; everyone can start using it with a few minutes of training.
Practicality
MS Excel is also extremely practical. You can use it for storing your data, manipulating it and analyzing it. All of the above is possible because of the freedom the tool gives you. You are in charge of database columns creation, cell styling, data calculations, etc. However, freedom also has its downsides; spreadsheets can quickly become messy regarding design and data quality if you are not working carefully.
The program is also very practical when it comes to sharing your work. Everything is packed into a single file, that you can share via email. Not only can you share it, but your recipient can also tailor data to its own needs. However easy sharing comes with a price, data security issues.
Power
MS Excel is not a beginner-only tool. It can be used for a lot of advanced stuff; in fact, many data scientists use it regularly. It contains many functions that enable you to calculate high-level statistical metrics or predict future values.
There is also a dedicated developer tab that can be used to create entry forms, automate repetitive tasks, send emails, etc. Despite many advanced use cases, the program struggles when the dataset gets large.
Conclusion
There is no single tool that can tackle all of your data-related obstacles. However, MS Excel comes pretty close therefore it is the best solution for the vast majority of users. No matter if you are a beginner or advanced user, it will help you a lot!
