Using visual programming to extend the power of spreadsheet

ABSTRACT

We describe a new means for representing computations in spreadsheets based on the visual, object-oriented data-flow language, Prograph, rather than textual arithmetic formulae. This mechanism is illustrated using various examples to show how common spreadsheet operation such as copying and extending formulae is more naturally represented. A formal syntax and semantics is presented. Suggestions are made for how this mechanism may be used to extend the range of applications of spreadsheets from the standard numerical calculations to areas such as symbolic computations and multimedia.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.4 MATHEMATICAL LOGIC AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
      F.4.2 Grammars and Other Rewriting Systems
          Subjects: Grammar types (e.g., context-free, context-sensitive)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.7 Visual Programming
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.1 Formal Definitions and Theory
      D.3.2 Language Classifications
          Subjects: Data-flow languages

  F. Theory of Computation
  F.4 MATHEMATICAL LOGIC AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
      F.4.2 Grammars and Other Rewriting Systems
          Subjects: Parsing

  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.1 Office Automation
          Subjects: Spreadsheets

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages