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7.10 Embedded Tools

   

Embedded Tools are a powerful feature in NExS. Their power derives in part from their ability to return a set of data, not just a single value. This function makes non-scalar operations such as matrix multiplication and "live" recalculation as easy to use as an ordinary spreadsheet function.

Embedded tools store values in a group of adjacent cells. These adjacent cells are set to constant formulas with explicit dependencies on their neighboring cells. For example, an embedded tool in cell B2 might produce the formula =1.3459\B2 in cell B3. This formula indicates that the cell currently contains the constant 1.3459 but that its value depends on the contents of cell B2 (the cell containing the embedded tool).

This notion of explicit dependencies is important for recalculation. It guarantees that any cell that references B3 will not be recalculated until after cell B2 is recalculated. This ensures that data generated by the embedded tool is always current.

Embedded tools look like normal functions, and they can be copied, moved and formatted just as any other formula in the spreadsheet. However, you must follow one important guideline: DO NOT combine embedded tools with other embedded tools in a single formula. For example, the formula

@INVERT(@MMUL(A1..C4,F1..I3))
  is not allowed.


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Next: 7.11 Quick-Reference Guide to Up: 7 Built-in Functions Previous: 7.9 Miscellaneous Functions

NExS User's Guide, Version 1.4.5
Grey Trout Software
11 April 1999