DeepSeek and Excel Copilot are both AI-powered tools designed to assist with tasks such as formula generation, but they differ in their approach, functionality, and user experience.
DeepSeek
DeepSeek is noted for its advanced formula generation capabilities, particularly in Excel. It offers a more intuitive and flexible approach to creating formulas, often providing multiple solutions to a problem, such as both helper column and single-cell array formulas. DeepSeek excels in explaining complex formulas by not only breaking down the syntax but also interpreting the formula's intent, making it easier for users to understand and apply the formulas in real-world scenarios[3][6].
One of the significant advantages of DeepSeek is its ability to work without forcing specific settings or workflows, such as enabling Auto Save, which can be a drawback for some users. This flexibility allows users to maintain their existing workflow without interruptions[3][6].
DeepSeek's training process involves a multi-stage approach, including cold start fine-tuning, reasoning-oriented reinforcement learning, rejection sampling, and supervised fine-tuning. This structured method helps in developing robust reasoning abilities, which are beneficial for tasks like formula generation and explanation[1][4].
Excel Copilot
Excel Copilot, on the other hand, is integrated directly into Microsoft Excel and offers seamless formula generation capabilities. It can create new columns or rows based on existing data by understanding natural language commands. For example, users can ask Copilot to generate a column that calculates the total cost per product or a row that sums up the total sales for each quarter[2][5][8].
Copilot also excels at creating visual representations of data, such as pivot tables and charts, by analyzing the dataset and constructing these elements directly within Excel. This functionality simplifies data analysis and reduces the need for manual setup[2][9].
However, Copilot requires files to be stored on OneDrive or SharePoint and necessitates Auto Save to be enabled, which can be a drawback for users who prefer not to automatically save their files or use cloud storage[3][6].
In terms of formula explanation, Copilot provides syntax-based explanations but lacks the clarity and practicality offered by DeepSeek. While Copilot's explanations focus on the mechanics of the formula, they may not fully capture the intent or real-world application of the formula[3][6].
Comparison
Overall, DeepSeek offers more flexibility and clarity in formula generation and explanation, making it a preferred choice for users who value intuitive and practical assistance. Excel Copilot, however, is convenient for those already integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and prefer a seamless, built-in AI assistant for Excel tasks. Despite its integration advantages, Copilot's requirement for Auto Save and cloud storage may deter some users.
In summary, while both tools are effective, DeepSeek's advanced reasoning capabilities and flexibility make it more suitable for complex formula creation and explanation tasks, whereas Copilot's integration with Excel provides ease of use for those deeply invested in Microsoft's productivity suite.
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/singularity/comments/1i9lkbh/deepseekr1_how_did_they_make_an_openailevel/
[2] https://www.nobledesktop.com/learn/ai/using-microsoft-copilot-to-increase-efficiency-in-excel
[3] https://www.mrexcel.com/board/threads/excel-copilot-versus-deep-seek-head-to-head-episode-2671.1269554/
[4] https://martinfowler.com/articles/deepseek-papers.html
[5] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/generate-formula-columns-and-rows-with-copilot-in-excel-d866d926-9791-4e5f-be2a-c6dd9e587a47
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omXgX9Azn78&vl=en
[7] https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/DeepSeek-explained-Everything-you-need-to-know
[8] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/generate-formulas-with-copilot-in-excel-d866d926-9791-4e5f-be2a-c6dd9e587a47
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF1u3YMXnn0