Spreadsheets – here is the What, Why, When and How.
What?
A spreadsheet is a computer application for organization, analysis, and storage of data in tabular form.
Each cell may contain either numeric or text data, or the results of formulas that automatically calculate and display a value based on the contents of other cells.
Wikipedia.org
A spreadsheet should be your first choice if either you’re working with figures to work out (calculate) something, or you have a lot of information (numbers and/or text) that needs some type of analysis.
Why?
Spreadsheets have been designed to be able to handle large amounts of information, and are formatted in rows and columns.
For numbers, spreadsheets have in-built calculations (known as functions) that means you don’t have to write long or complex formulas.
In terms of mixed information (text and numbers), a spreadsheet includes a range of commands and features to sort, filter and show information visually (graphs).
This can make it easier to see patterns or answer questions based on the information.
When?
Anything involving numbers or calculations then a spreadsheet should be the first thought in terms of the type of program to use.
For large amounts of information (or data), a spreadsheet is the easiest way to work with it.
Depending on your skill and needs a database is an alternative option.
How?
As with other types programs, today the favourite spreadsheet is between Microsoft and Google.
Microsoft Excel
Google Sheets
Apple Numbers
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