Automated and compiled spreadsheets

Spreadsheets have come a long way from the original calculator within which variable names were based on their position within a two dimensional matrix; with successive developments of rudimentary automation of keyboard commands stored as ‘one key’ macros, through the development of a complete programming language to today’s compiled spreadsheets. These latter can be run directly from the PC’s operating system, thus avoiding for the end-user, the up-front cost of the host spreadsheet package. Hence, spreadsheets now offer a platform within which it is cost effective both to tackle new problems for which solutions can be effected in days rather than months, or revitalise and distribute the many existing spreadsheet solutions to problems which have been developed in the past but whose more general circulation has not been financially viable.