Spreadsheets: Common man’s programming tool

#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    printf("Hello, World!\n");
    return 0;
}

I remember sitting in my computer science class about two decades ago and my teacher teaching us how to print “Hello World”. I never became a computer scientist – nor did I become a professional programmer. But I did come to appreciate how useful programming is for most professions.

As an experimental Materials Scientist, I use programming so often to manipulate data, to analyze data, to predict the best possible set of experiments to run – and all the while I often wonder, why the common student is taught the dry programming of Hello World, that comes with C or C++ or Python or any of the other programming languages that exist, and why students are not introduced to the power of spreadsheets. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t undermine the value of true programming languages, but in my mind, =SUM(A1:A45) has more value than printf("Hello, World!\n"); as they offer a more practical entry point. Spreadsheets may not be sexy, but for most, they’re the perfect tool – since they can reduce errors, increase automation thereby, saving time.

Here are a few good reasons why I feel spreadsheets are quite important:

1. Low barrier to Entry
2. Democratization of data
3. WYSIWYG
4. Teaching the fundamentals of programming

And once someone graduates past the basic spreadsheet like Microsoft Excel, then they can even access VBA (a built-in programming language within excel) or Google Apps Script (a built in programming language within Google Sheets) to enable more complex functionalities.

Spreadsheets offer a powerful and versatile toolset for anyone who works with data. Their low barrier to entry makes them accessible, while features like formulas and conditional formatting automate tasks, saving time and reducing errors. But spreadsheets hold a hidden gem: VBA in Excel and Apps Script in Google Sheets. These built-in programming languages unlock a whole new level of automation and functionality. Imagine automating complex data analysis, generating reports with a single click, or creating custom functions tailored to your specific needs.

The next time you find yourself drowning in data, don’t underestimate the power of your spreadsheet. With a little exploration and the help of readily available online resources, you can unlock the hidden potential of VBA or Apps Script and transform your workflow. So, ditch the “Hello World” and dive into the world of spreadsheet programming – the possibilities are endless!