Abstract: The dependency graph spreadsheet system allows for the capture of a sequence of calculations or formulas as a function. The function is stored as a function definition in a spreadsheet application. The function definition provides the ability to call or select a name or code associated with the function or function definition in the spreadsheet application by placing the name in a cell of the spreadsheet application. If the form of the calculation needs to be verified or modified, the function is reviewed and/or modified in the function definition worksheet, eliminating the need to seek out each invocation of the function in the spreadsheet application. The dependency graph spreadsheet system also provides the ability to invoke a higher order function that uses a defined function as an input and generates an output from the higher order function on a range of data inputs for the defined function in the spreadsheet.

Abstract: The XML conversion system provides methods and architecture for defining an interface between a spreadsheet application and a COM server independent of the areas that the interface is defined. In support of defining the interface, an add-in function defines the interface using extensible markup language (“XML”). An add-in XML file is scanned for instructions. An instruction is analyzed to determine the interface it will expose. An interface XML file having a function specification can be retrieved from a COM server based on the interface exposed in the instruction. Function qualifiers are taken from the instruction and applied to the function specification. The function specification is converted to an intermediate function and implementation specifiers are applied to the intermediate function. The intermediate function is then converted to an add-in function and applied in the spreadsheet application.