The new dynamic array capability took Excel 365 into a different league to Excel 2019. For example VLOOKUP has been replaced by XLOOKUP (a modern array function that is more versatile, easier to use and more powerful). In Excel 365 a huge number of older Excel functions can now work in an entirely new way and some old favourites have been replaced by modern array-aware functions. We’ve also found some great applications for Custom Data Types (another feature introduced very recently) and ( in the 2021 and 365 Expert Skills books) share our implementation of multi-lingual forms and reports that can now be created really easily using this new feature. Linked data types have also been hugely expanded (once again a 365-only feature). 2021 saw the introduction of Automatic Data Analysis and Natural Language Queries (features that were not included in the Excel 2021 release). The Excel engine had to be completely re-engineered to recognize the new dynamic array concept. There have been some amazing features added to Excel 365 since 2019 but absolutely nothing compares to the introduction of Dynamic Arrays and Dynamic Array functions in the July 2020 release. The Smart Method is the only publisher that does this to keep our books up to date. At the time of writing this article (in February 2022) we’d recently published the sixth edition covering the January 2022 current update. The Smart Method supports the ever-changing nature of Office 365 by publishing a new version of our books every time significant new features are added. This provided a solid and tested “Semi-annual” version in January and July each year.

Large corporate users can opt in to a six-monthly update channel.

Instead of the old 3-year update cycle, 365 is a constantly evolving product with new features arriving as each new version is released.īecause business users don’t want constant change (and need rock-solid reliable releases) Microsoft introduced the concept of “update channels” for Office 365. Excel 365 is planned to have an infinite life.

Excel 2019 365