[comp.misc] Object oriented spreadsheets?

johnl@ima.ima.isc.com (John R. Levine) (11/06/88)

I've been thinking about object-oriented spreadsheets, ones where you could
store more interesting things than numbers and strings in a cell, but still
manipulate them in uniform and familiar ways.

Before I expend great energy reinventing the wheel, I'd be interested in
hearing of previous work along these lines.  Facts and/or rumors would be
appreciated.
TIA,
-- 
John R. Levine, IECC, PO Box 349, Cambridge MA 02238-0349, +1 617 492 3869
{ bbn | spdcc | decvax | harvard | yale }!ima!johnl, Levine@YALE.something
Disclaimer:  This is not a disclaimer.

rassilon@eddie.MIT.EDU (Brian Preble) (11/06/88)

In article <2863@ima.ima.isc.com> johnl@ima.isc.com (John R. Levine) writes:
> I've been thinking about object-oriented spreadsheets, ones where you could
> store more interesting things than numbers and strings in a cell, but still
> manipulate them in uniform and familiar ways.

I don't know about object-oriented spreadsheets, but PCSG has a spreadsheet
called Lucid 3-D.  In addition to storing numbers, strings, and formulae in
cells, you can also store documents or entire spreadsheets.  In addition, it
is FAST, easy to use, and sells for $149.

					Shar and Enjoy!

Rassilon (Brian Preble)
UUCP: ...!mit-eddie!rassilon
Internet: rassilon@eddie.mit.edu
Moderator: advsys@eddie.mit.edu, dave-barry@bu-it.bu.edu

Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with PGSG.

usenet@mailrus.cc.umich.edu (usenet news) (11/06/88)

From: msiskin@shogun.cc.umich.edu (Marc Siskin)
Path: shogun!msiskin

Expires: 
References: <2863@ima.ima.isc.com>
Sender: 
UUCP-Path: mailrus!shogun!msiskin
Reply-To: msiskin@shogun.cc.umich.edu (Marc Siskin)
Followup-To: Comp.sys.amiga
B
B
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Michigan Computing Center, Ann Arbor
Keywords: spreadsheet OOP


John,
   I think the object oriented Database you are looking for can be found
on the Amiga in either Microfiche Filer or SuperBase Profesional.
        Msiskin@shogun.cc.umich.edu

c91a-ra@franny.Berkeley.EDU (john kawakami reader) (11/06/88)

I have also been looking for a spreadsheet/database program like this. 
Specifically, I'd like to be able to define general equations that would
"solve themselves" with incomplete data(i.e. V=IR find I given V and R),
THEN, take that and put it into a spreadsheet style form.  Working with a 
collection of small forms, I could make links between the forms so I could
mix and reuse data.

I know this can be done in object oriented languages.  What I want is a quick,
one-step way of doing this--like I can do with a spreadsheet (but this sheet
would be more flexible of course).  Does anyone deliver?

Example:  A variance function that can 1) calculate based on a list of values
2) hold a given variance 3) can figure variance based on a general mathematical
rule about variance.  The variance value can be linked into other "sheets" 
(maybe even automatically, by detecting the presence of related "sheets").
John Kawakami  /  c91a-ra@franny.berkeley.edu  /  I'm sorryyyy, I'm sorryyyy,
              /                               /   I'm sorryyyy, I'm sorryyyy.
             /                               /         -S. Central Rain (REM)