in reply to Re^2: OLE module working 'part-time'
in thread OLE module working 'part-time'

I had to use the Spreadsheet module because we don't have office products on our servers, yet the users still wanted their spreadsheets. For a while, we used .CSV files which made our merchant IDs hideous (they're 16 digit numbers, which Excel helpfully reformatted into reals...). Then I stumbled across this package and never looked back.

...roboticus

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Re^4: OLE module working 'part-time'
by Aim9b (Monk) on Sep 25, 2007 at 15:08 UTC
    That WOULD be a limitation, for sure. If we have MS Office on all the boxes, would you prefer one method over the other. Also, I'm leaning towards using Text::CSV, do you have any insight to that vs. Text::CSV_XS, Text::xSV, etc.? Thanks.
      I prefer the Spreadsheet module even when Office is available primarily because:

    • I don't have to worry about someone installing a different version that causes my code to fail.
    • Any mistakes I make won't leave a hung Office process running in the background.
    • I find the Spreadsheet module to be *quite* easy to use, and I don't find navigating the automation docs for Excel as simple.
    • My same code works on my Linux boxes as well as my WinTel boxes.
    • I have no experience with Text::CSV & friends. (I tend to process databases and fixed-format files.)

      ...roboticus

        Thanks, I really appreciate your input. Those are all great points.
        I'll look into it. That Office Upgrade part is waaaaay scary. ;-)