Early data import question

[VorpalPirate]

Just started with Python with a view to building a GUI based programme to replace something I currently have in Excel. Right now Excel uses a data link to a php page to copy down a stack of variables on opening the file. When the file closes it is saved and the numbers are there until it updates again. I'd like to do something similar with Python to drag down what is basically a 2D array (year v variable) that can be searched and used in formulas.

I'm not going to ask if it can be done (I'm sure it can) or even how but can someone give me a pointer in the right direction and some basic tips to get see what the options are as I'm clearly not searching for the right thing! Many thanks.

[Larz60+]

First, if not already familiar with python, do a tutorial, I's suggest one or both of:
How to Think Like a Computer Scientist
Python3 Tutorial

Then learn pandas: many tutorials available on YouTube.

[snippsat]

Look into Pandas can replace Excel or cooperate with it.
Common Excel Tasks Demonstrated in Pandas
A common way to work with this is to use JupyterLab,then get a DataFrame that look the way Excel look.
There also free one online services you can use Azure | Colaboratory Notebooks.