Modelling with Spreadsheets: Difference between revisions
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* it is hard to build modular structures | * it is hard to build modular structures | ||
* it is hard to examine the nature of convergence problems in the Solver component (particular to Excel) | * it is hard to examine the nature of convergence problems in the Solver component (particular to Excel) | ||
* it is hard to build automated testing into a spreadsheet< | * it is hard to build automated testing into a spreadsheet<ref>L Pryor, 2008. "When, why and how to test spreadsheets", {{arxiv|0807.3187}}</ref> | ||
See also the article | See also the article [http://advosys.ca/viewpoints/2006/09/spreadsheet-risks/ Spreadsheets Considered Harmful] | ||
See also [[Spreadsheet interface]] for some thoughts about how the benefits of spreadsheet-style programming could be merged with something like ASCEND. | See also [[Spreadsheet interface]] for some thoughts about how the benefits of spreadsheet-style programming could be merged with something like ASCEND. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | |||
Latest revision as of 02:13, 28 September 2014
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Spreadsheets are an excellent tool for many quick-and-easy engineering calculations and even quite a lot of more complex calculations.
There are arguments against the use of spreadsheets though:
- they don't support units of measurement!
- you can't check your model 'at a view' because formulae are hidden and often written in terms of cryptic cell references such as 'H18' and 'AB23'
- they are saved in a binary format that makes reviewing changes difficult
- it is hard to reuse one small bit of an old spreadsheet that you previously made (without copying it or modifying it)
- it is hard to build modular structures
- it is hard to examine the nature of convergence problems in the Solver component (particular to Excel)
- it is hard to build automated testing into a spreadsheet[1]
See also the article Spreadsheets Considered Harmful
See also Spreadsheet interface for some thoughts about how the benefits of spreadsheet-style programming could be merged with something like ASCEND.
References
- ↑ L Pryor, 2008. "When, why and how to test spreadsheets", arxiv:0807.3187