| Abstract: | Spreadsheets are powerful programs for personal computers, and in many respects they have a clear edge over established programming languages such as FORTRAN or BASIC for simple day-to-day engineering applications. Modern spreadsheets such as lotus 1–2-3(TM), Excel (TM), Symphony(TM), Jazz (TM), Quattro (TM), etc. are very easy to learn and they can be used for a multitude of tasks including desktop calculation, text editing, data base functions and graphics. The one decided advantage of spreadsheets is that they are totally interactive; a user can use spreadsheets directly without having to worry about data files and output files. The ideas explained in this paper are applicable to most commercially available spreadsheets with the particular examples shown applicable to Lotus 1–2-3. The technique of "formatted" worksheets has been developed and successfully used by the author in teaching and in his professional work for several years. A thorough knowledge of spreadsheets is imperative for the efficient application of this technique. Some practical ideas plus a set of macros will be shown. |
