c-xll-tools :

[a simple sorting engine for excel using the excel c - api compiled using VSTO]

Build tools that interface with Excel, using C

Manipulating data in excel is often done faster using the Excel C-API. We consider this in more detail in this project.

Introduction

c-xll-tools is a platfom for building customised data manipulation tools that interface with Excel, at high speed (native C code), using the Microsoft Excel SDK and Excel C-API.

These tools are compiled into an xll which, once loaded, integrate seamlessly with Excel, expanding the number of functions that are on offer within Excel's function suite.

Distribution

The latest xll and source code can be download from here.

Details

Once the xll Add-in has been compiled and loaded into Excel, an Add-In function can be called from within Excel to perform the required task.

This projct considers how a c based sorting function sort_ex() can be called from within excel to sort the first column in a two column table of numeric data, sorting from low to high:

Configuration

Ensure that the cTools.xll is installed and configured correctly:

• in Excel: File > Options > Addins > Manage Excel Addins > Go > Browse (to the .xll)

Following this, the Add-In function features can be explored in more detail with the help of Excel's function gui. This gui displays, amongst other things, the Add-In's function signatures and parameter information.

The cTools.xll Add-In should now be visible as a customised Add-In. To check this:

1. Click on Excel's insert function button.
2. If the cTools Add-In is displayed under the category drop-down menu, then the Add-In loaded without error.

Features

Once loaded, the xll (add-in) will bind automatically with Excel each time Excel starts. This means that all functions in the xll will be available/visible to any spreadsheet or workbook, whenever excel is used.

References

Microsoft Excel Developer's Kit, Microsoft Press