Spreadsheet Blueprints for Low-Code Web Application Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing custom software applications is time-consuming and costly, requiring specialized training and knowledge, and existing spreadsheet software lacks the conceptual framework to be used as a platform for building software applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method to generate interactive web applications using spreadsheets as blueprints, analyzing data sources and user interface templates to create a web data store and generate web pages based on these templates, allowing for user input and dynamic updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom software applications are developed using traditional programming languages and methods, then the software can be highly customized and functional, but the development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spreadsheet templates as reusable copies that define the structure, data sources, and user interface of software applications. Instead of programming each application from scratch, users copy and adapt existing spreadsheet templates to create customized software quickly, eliminating the need to write extensive code for each new application.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreadsheet platform serves multiple functions: it acts as both the development environment and the final software application. The same spreadsheet can be used to define data structures, create user interfaces, implement business logic through formulas, and generate the actual software application, replacing the need for separate programming languages and development tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional software development methods are used, then complex and custom software can be created, but specialized training and knowledge are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spreadsheet serves as an intermediary between the user's business requirements and the complex software development process. Users work with familiar spreadsheet concepts (cells, rows, columns, formulas) that mask the underlying complexity of software application development, allowing them to create complex software without needing to learn programming languages or development frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreadsheet platform consolidates multiple software development functions into a single familiar interface. It handles data storage, user interface design, business logic implementation, and application generation all through spreadsheet operations that users already know, eliminating the need for specialized programming training.
3Ease of operation
If existing spreadsheet software is used, then users can perform calculations and record keeping, but the software lacks the conceptual framework to build application software
Solution Approach 1:
The spreadsheet platform dynamically transforms from a static data organization tool into an active software development environment. It automatically generates software applications based on the spreadsheet's structure, data sources, and user interface definitions, and can update the generated software when the spreadsheet changes, allowing the same spreadsheet to serve both as the development blueprint and the living application.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreadsheet platform performs both traditional spreadsheet functions (calculations, data organization) and software application development functions (defining data sources, creating user interfaces, implementing logic). This dual functionality allows users to leverage their existing spreadsheet skills while gaining the ability to build complete software applications without learning a new system.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein may be used with local spreadsheet applications, web, and/or cloud-based spreadsheet solutions, to create complex custom software applications. Spreadsheets themselves lack the conceptual framework to be used as a platform tool to build custom or complex software applications. Using the methods and systems described herein using low-code/no-code techniques, a designer can create custom and/or complex software applications using one or more spreadsheets as the underlying blueprints for the software application. The resultant software application may be static/read-only, or may be interactive to allow users to dynamically add, delete, edit, or otherwise amend application data, e.g., via one or more online web pages or via a mobile application. Data transfer may be one-way or bi-directional between the blueprint spreadsheets and the resultant software application, thereby allowing amended data to be transferred from the software application back into spreadsheet form.