You might also find the Python library pandas useful. Its “DataFrames” can mirror your excel data 1:1 and you have convenience methods like to_excel(). Easy to combine with numpy for performant matrix math.

XLSX just becomes a container for storing/sharing your data, and while Python is used for analysis. I would use matplotlib for plotting rather than embedding in the sheet.

If I’m doing anything substantial, calculation-wise, I use openpyxl.

Agreed. I really tried to like Libre/OpenOffice over the years but it never felt right. OnlyOffice really hits the spot for me.

I don’t use Windows much any more but I was happy with the discounted student version of Office 2016, afaik the last perpetual license.

It’s a bit more barebones but I really like BoxySVG

I don’t feel like I know what I’m doing but I do feel like an adult. The two are a bit separate in my head.

I think it’s in mastodon and not lemmy.

I don’t know about Adobe but I think it’s true for some software.

My previous employer (~30 person company) got in trouble for a Fusion360 file that was sent to a customer after being edited by an intern’s pirated copy. Employees and interns typically used a different licensed CAD software.

I think the pirated file being opened at a larger company tipped them off, but I don’t know how they ultimately tracked us down.

That being said, I personally wouldn’t want the stress of using pirated software, let alone pirated assets in a professional setting.