LANDON@ENR.Prime.COM (11/01/89)
Here is a summary of responses containing information about DDE and
Microsoft Excel:
george roussos@arizona.edu {cmcl2 | noao | uunet}!arizona!roussos
writes:
What you really need is the Microsoft Excel Technical Reference
(package/book/whatever). I know it has the file format information in
it, and I think also the BIFF format. I am not sure how much it contains
about DDE, but I know the Windows SDK has a couple of chapters on it ...
Call MS, and ask about how much the Tech reference is. I think
it is in the neighborhood of ~$50-150. (Ballpark).
Steven Sinofsky (microsoft!stevesi@uunet.uu.net) writes:
The best source of information for Windows/DDE programming is
the Microsoft Systems Journal article "Interprogram Communication
Using Window's Dynamic Data Exchange" in the November, 1987
issue (v 2, n. 5). The MSSJ is available (back issues too) by
calling 1-800-669-1002 (or (614) 382-3322)
Microsoft Systems Journal
PO Box 1903
Marion, OH 44305
There is also some documentation in the Windows SDK. There
is some Excel specific documentation in the Microsoft Excel
Technical Reference (an MS Press book), which also has some
helpful hints for using DDE in general.
In order to "operate" Excel using WM_DDE_EXECUTE messages,
you use the Excel macro language (commands only, none of the
information requesting/querying macros) using the following
syntax as the data for an execute message:
[Command1(args)][Command2(args)] etc
If there are no args, the "()" can be left off. All cell references
(the dde item) must be in R1C1 format. All strings must be enclosed
in quotes:
[New(1)][Save.As("foo.xls")][....stuff....][Save][Close]
You can also use WM_DDE_POKE to send data to cells. This is the same
as a "paste" command. All data must be text, tab separated (DDEFMT_TEXT).
Excel also responds to the "System" topic, for the items "Topics", "SysItems"
and all the other standard DDE system topic items. You CAN send the
File macros (New, Save, etc) to the System topic with a NULL item if
you wish to operate on the top window.
I hope this information helps. It is provided on my own time and
as a personal favor. No information in this is to be construed as
official Microsoft policy and/or information. It is accurate
to the best of my ability (and patience).
Steven Sinofsky
microsoft!stevesi@uunet.uu.net