NolaInQuery: A Local-First Tool for Natural Language Excel Analysis

Overview

NolaInQuery is a free, open-source desktop application designed to allow analysts and spreadsheet users to query local Excel, CSV, and Parquet files using plain English. The software bridges the gap between natural language questions and data analysis by converting user queries into runnable Pandas code, generating optional computation graphs, and producing charts. Its primary goal is to enable users to obtain data insights without needing to write SQL or upload sensitive raw data to external servers.

Benefits

NolaInQuery offers several key advantages for data analysts and spreadsheet users. First, it allows users to ask questions in plain language about their spreadsheet data, removing the need for complex coding skills like SQL. Second, the application runs locally on the user's machine, ensuring data privacy and security. It supports a Bring Your Own Key model, which adds an extra layer of protection for sensitive information. Third, the software generates artifacts that show exactly how answers were computed, addressing common trust issues associated with other natural language tools. Fourth, questions are translated into executable Pandas code, providing transparency in the process. Finally, the tool can generate charts based on the query results, making it easier to visualize data trends.

Use Cases

NolaInQuery is ideal for analysts and spreadsheet users who need to extract insights from local data files without compromising security. It can be used to query Excel, CSV, and Parquet files directly on a user's computer. The tool is particularly useful for organizations that handle sensitive data and cannot risk uploading it to external servers. It is also suitable for users who want to verify how their data is being processed, thanks to the auditable artifacts it generates. Currently, official builds are available for Linux and Windows, while the macOS version is available as source code only.

Pricing

NolaInQuery is a free, open-source tool. There are no costs associated with using the software, and the source code is available on GitHub for users who wish to modify or study it further.

Vibes

As of its discovery, NolaInQuery is in an early-stage development phase. It has received limited traction on social platforms, with only 2 stars on Product Hunt and 1 star on GitHub. User feedback highlights the utility of its auditable artifacts for verifying computation processes and praises the Bring Your Own Key open-source model. However, potential users should note the following red flags regarding its current maturity. The software is still in its early stages of polish. Windows installers are currently unsigned. The macOS version is limited to source code only. Additionally, there is a hosted service component alongside the local client, which may be a consideration for some users.

Additional Information

NolaInQuery is a product of nolain, a small company established at the end of 2025. The company focuses on building applied-AI products aimed at reducing repetitive work, automating tasks, and improving decision-making through systems for data analysis, automation, and visualization. The company was founded by Julian David Villegas Gutierrez, who brings extensive experience in research, software development, and data science. His background includes a BSc. in Electronics Engineering from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, an MSc. in Electronics Engineering from Universidad de los Andes, and a PhD. in Engineering from Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium. He has worked as a researcher, software developer, and data scientist at institutions including Universidad de los Andes, Université Catholique de Louvain, VTT in Finland, and Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. The project is open-source, with the repository hosted on GitHub. The system utilizes a dual-key setup involving a product API and OpenRouter for processing. Additionally, there is a hosted service component that functions as a sketch to recipe service alongside the open-source client.