Excel alternatives

Google's TabFM skips per-dataset training and still predicts on tables it's never seen

Google Research’s TabFM offers a transformative approach to tabular data prediction, bypassing the traditional need for per-dataset training. This innovative foundation model treats tabular prediction as an in-context learning problem, enabling instant predictions on unseen tables with a single API call – a significant acceleration for enterprise developers. By synthesizing strengths from prior architectures, TabFM preserves data structure and unlocks scalable zero-shot prediction, potentially redefining data workflows.

The real cost, security, and culture problems behind enterprise AI agents

Red Hat recently explored the hidden complexities of enterprise AI agent deployment at VentureBeat's AI Impact event. Beyond the initial excitement, Brian Gracely highlighted critical challenges: escalating costs, emerging security vulnerabilities, and the need for organizational buy-in. Enterprises often overestimate their readiness, leading to unsustainable spending. Right-sizing AI models and proactive patch management are key to controlling costs and maintaining security—similar to the FinOps practices that matured cloud computing. Discover how to navigate these essential considerations for successful AI agent scaling.

How to add data validation to alternating columns?

Need to refine data entry in your spreadsheet? This guide addresses a common challenge: applying data validation—specifically, a dropdown list—to a select column while leaving others untouched. The scenario presented involves adding a dropdown to the "OT" column while maintaining existing validation in the "Status" column. Explore this practical solution for enhanced data integrity and streamlined workflows. For related insights on conditional formatting, see our article, "how to flag cell with conditional formatting, if one criteria is false out of a batch of true/false?".

DataCamp vs Coursera: Which Is Worth It in 2026?

Navigating the world of data skills requires choosing the right learning platform. DataCamp and Coursera are both popular options, but cater to different needs. DataCamp focuses exclusively on data science and analytics, while Coursera offers a vast marketplace of courses across numerous disciplines. This comparison weighs pricing, course catalogs, and more to determine which platform delivers the most value in 2026. For deeper insights into related AI challenges, explore "Your RAG Pipeline Is Probably Useless. Here’s a Better Alternative."

Enterprise-grade AI image generation in 2 seconds is here: Krea 2 Raw and Turbo available as open weights under custom license

Enterprise-grade AI image generation in just 2 seconds is now a reality with Krea 2 Raw and Turbo, available as open weights under a custom license. Addressing concerns that AI imagery often lacks originality, Krea’s new models offer greater visual variety, prompt accuracy, and crucial customization capabilities for brands. Krea 2 Turbo’s remarkable 2-second generation speed surpasses competitors, while Krea 2 Raw provides a flexible foundation for training custom models.

Anthropic ships major Claude Design overhaul with design system imports, code round-trips, and a fix for its token-burning problem

Anthropic has overhauled Claude Design, transforming it from a prototyping tool into a key enterprise brand-compliance layer. The update introduces design system imports, enabling companies to ensure brand consistency across all generated assets, and a bidirectional code integration with Claude Code, streamlining the design-to-engineering handoff. Addressing initial token consumption concerns, Anthropic has also improved efficiency and integrated usage limits across its suite of tools.

Best Data Engineering Courses in 2026

Power Query becoming extremely slow while comparing multiple daily Trial Balance files

Power Query can become sluggish when handling multiple daily Trial Balance (TB) files, particularly when files are around 10 MB each. As an intern at a finance organization, you've set up a Power Query to compare numbers side by side, filtering and grouping data for a 15-day range. However, expanding this to a month or quarter increases the burden on performance, especially during edits and refreshes in front of seniors.

Filling schedule cell based on day of the week

Are you looking to streamline your work schedule with automatic shift assignments based on the day of the week? By utilizing simple formulas, you can create a dynamic scheduling system that updates automatically when you change the month. For example, you can set conditions such as "IF Sunday to Tuesday, THEN assign Alpha Shift." This approach not only reduces manual updates but also enhances productivity.

Is there are any alternatives for macabacus on mac?

Are you searching for alternatives to Macabacus for your MacBook Pro? You're not alone! Many users seek effective tools to enhance their spreadsheet experience, especially while transitioning to different operating systems. While you await your new Windows computer, there are several options that can empower your data management. Explore user-friendly solutions like Tiller Money or Spreadsheet.com, which may offer the functionality you need.

Makearray slows down excel considerably

In the pursuit of optimizing Excel workflows, many users, like Nikolaisme, have turned to innovative functions like MAKEARRAY. However, this exploration revealed a significant downside: performance lags that hinder productivity. After attempting to replace traditional methods with dynamic array formulas, it became clear that the spill array feature can inadvertently slow down calculations, even during simple actions like deleting blank cells. This experience highlights that while new tools can enhance capabilities, they may not always improve efficiency.

Macro use for formulas and multiple files

If you're looking to automate calculations across multiple Excel files with the same column structure, using macros can be an efficient solution. With 400 files to manage, VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros allow you to apply formulas and automate processes seamlessly. You can create a script to add new columns, apply formulas, and fill them down to the last row in each spreadsheet. For a deeper understanding of Excel’s capabilities, consider checking out our article on advanced functions that can enhance your productivity.

Excel is so messed up that it has made my daily tasks unbearable

If you've found that Excel is increasingly hindering your daily tasks, you're not alone. Many users express frustration with frequent bugs, unresponsive files, and unexpected changes while managing multiple spreadsheets. These issues can disrupt productivity and create a sense of inefficiency. It’s disheartening to see a tool once celebrated for its reliability now causing daily headaches. If you're seeking solutions, consider exploring innovative alternatives that simplify your workflow.

Best SQL Courses in 2026 (Ranked and Compared )

In 2026, finding the right SQL course can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Most lists either skim the surface or offer a one-size-fits-all approach, ignoring the distinct needs of different users. Whether you're a complete beginner, a working analyst, or an engineer developing production systems, your SQL training should align with your specific goals. In our comprehensive ranking and comparison, we break down the best SQL courses tailored for various skill levels and use cases.

How RecursiveMAS speeds up multi-agent inference by 2.4x and reduces token usage by 75%

RecursiveMAS represents a significant advancement in multi-agent AI systems, achieving 2.4x faster inference while reducing token usage by 75%. Traditional text-based communication among agents often leads to latency and inflated costs, hindering efficiency. Developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Stanford University, RecursiveMAS enables agents to share information in embedding space rather than through text, enhancing both speed and performance. This innovative framework not only improves accuracy across complex domains but also offers a cost-effective approach for scalable multi-agent solutions.

Conditional formatting formula errors using table references, but works if converted to cell ranges?

Conditional formatting can enhance your scheduling tool, but issues arise when using table references in formulas. For instance, while your formula successfully highlights milestones within a traditional range, it falters with table references. The LET() function and XLOOKUP may complicate the process, especially with nested references. To streamline your approach, consider simplifying the use of named references for the G$2 and H$2 cells. For further insights into Excel's powerful capabilities, check out our article on counting with GROUPBY for a deeper understanding of data management.

Best AI Courses in 2026: From Using AI to Building It

As the demand for AI expertise continues to grow, choosing the right course can significantly impact your learning journey. In 2026, you’ll encounter two distinct paths: one focused on mastering AI tools and another dedicated to building AI systems from scratch. Selecting the wrong option could lead to months of frustration. This guide compares ten of the best AI courses available, helping you find the perfect fit for your goals.

AI IQ is here: a new site scores frontier AI models on the human IQ scale. The results are already dividing tech.

Introducing AI IQ, a groundbreaking platform that assigns estimated IQ scores to over 50 leading AI language models, using the familiar yardstick of human intelligence. This innovative approach offers interactive visualizations at aiiq.org, making the complexity of AI advancements more accessible. While praised for its clarity by technologists, it also faces criticism for oversimplifying AI capabilities into a single number. For a deeper dive into the future of AI and its evolving landscape, explore our related article on Anthropic’s vision for proactive AI.

Making series specific categories on a box and whisker plot

Creating a box and whisker plot with multiple series can be challenging, especially when each series has its own unique categories. When plotted together, Excel tends to compress the boxes, making it difficult to visualize the data effectively. To maintain clarity, it's essential to plot each series with its respective categories while avoiding the squished appearance.

Locating unique text within a column and highlighting each row where the text is found

Hi all, It looks like you're navigating a common challenge with Conditional Formatting in spreadsheets. You're aiming to highlight entire rows based on the presence of 15 unique text entries within a specific column. While your initial approach using `=SUM(COUNTIF($AG2, {"Text1", "Text2", "Text3", ...}))>0` is a solid start, it seems you're encountering limitations with reference operators in Conditional Formatting. Consider exploring alternative methods, such as using a helper column for a clearer solution.

How to deal with a bulky spreadsheet that is starting to hit the limits of Excel?

Dealing with a bulky spreadsheet can be challenging, especially as complexity increases and performance slows. As you approach 500,000 formulas, it's essential to explore strategies that enhance efficiency while maintaining clarity. Consider the impact of array formulas, the potential benefits of VBA for automation, and the advantages of using the LET function for repeated lookups. By re-evaluating your current approach, you can simplify workflows and reduce lag, ensuring your data analysis remains effective and responsive. Let's dive into practical solutions to optimize your spreadsheet experience.

Power BI Tutorial: Create Your First Dashboard

Welcome to our Power BI tutorial, where you’ll transform a raw data file into a polished, published report. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from initial data queries to deploying your finished dashboard in the cloud. You’ll learn to create an interactive dashboard that not only visualizes your data effectively but also includes essential features like alerts and automatic refresh settings. By the end, you’ll have the skills to empower your data storytelling and enhance your decision-making. Let's dive in and explore!

Best Python Courses in 2026 — From Foundations to Career-Ready Skills

If you're exploring Python courses, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. With countless "best of" lists offering differing opinions, it's easy to fall into choice paralysis, which often prevents beginners from taking that crucial first step. This guide is designed to simplify your decision-making process by comparing nine standout Python courses in 2026.

The Architecture Of Local-First Web Development

In 2026, the landscape of web development is evolving, and local-first applications are at the forefront of this transformation. This perspective offers seasoned developers an honest look at the architecture of local-first web apps, addressing common skepticism surrounding quick fixes and silver bullets. By exploring the benefits and challenges of this approach, we aim to empower developers to navigate the complexities of modern web architecture with confidence. Join us in discovering how local-first strategies can enhance user experiences and redefine productivity in web development.