Create a xlsxwriter.lua compatible library based on the C library libxlsxwriter

[jmcnamara]

Hi,

I am currently maintaining 4 version of the same Xlsx writing library in Perl, Python, C and Lua:

• https://github.com/jmcnamara/excel-writer-xlsx
• https://github.com/jmcnamara/XlsxWriter
• https://github.com/jmcnamara/libxlsxwriter
• https://github.com/jmcnamara/xlsxwriter.lua

The compatibility between the modules in terms of features is roughly 100%/100%/60%/30%.

The Lua version in particular has fallen behind and I don't have a lot of time to work on it. However, I am progressing the C library, albeit slowly.

If someone was interested they could add a Lua wrapper around the C library and use the xlsxwriter.lua docs and test framework. The API is would match the Python module.

This is mainly as a suggestion for anyone who is interested. I don't intend to write this. :-)

[jmcnamara]

CC @moteus, @nelson2005

[marmidr]

If I would know that Lua is only 30% implementation of Python before, I would choose Python version instead. But...I have much better experience with Lua, beside, it is very easy to learn for the non-programmer folk (the client).
I can help implementing what is already working in Python version of XlsxWriter - I have spare time.

[jhernancanom]

Hi, John.
I am interested in contributing to your library 'cause I am interested in enhance Lua.
Let's start... answer me these questions:

1. Can XLSXwriter ("main module", maybe in C) open --not just create from zero-- an .XLSX file?
2. I need you to teach me how to "read the C-file" --maybe .DLL file-- since a .Lua script.

Thanks.

HERNAN CANO M
Systems Analyst

[jmcnamara]

Hi Hernan,

1. No. See the docs: http://xlsxwriterlua.readthedocs.io/introduction.html
2. It is not something that I am familiar with so I can't teach you.

John

[jhernancanom]

1. Ok, John.
2. Well... Help me to understand.... You are saying that you was (until yesterday) maintaining 4 versions, and C and Lua between them. I considered that Lua-version depends on C-version... or not???

Thanks.

[jmcnamara]

I considered that Lua-version depends on C-version... or no

No. The Lua version is pure Lua.

[jhernancanom]

Oh, fantastic!!!

[MINIONBOTS]

But it depends on the stoopid ZipWriter which I now wasted hours to get it working, since htat again depends on lua-zlib or lzlib which both are not compiling on windows due to the zlib lib being a dick and just refusing to work. Luarocks and the other distro ofc also completely fails with zlib.
Can someone please tell me how to get this piece of code compiled and usable ? I would now already prefer a zip with the precompiled files in it....that desperate I am -.-

[moteus]

I buld both libs without error.
Also you can get precompiled zlib from my repo.
Both lzlib and lua-zlib compiles with luarocks on windows

[MINIONBOTS]

I have no idea either why it turned out to be such a stubborn piece and refused to compile for me (zlib).
Thanks for the link, these work fine :)