SpreadsheetWeb Hub's Automated App Generation is a powerful feature that enables users to transform their spreadsheets into fully functional web applications with ease. With this feature, you can convert your complex calculations, data entry forms, and business logic into interactive and user-friendly applications, with a few clicks.
The process begins by uploading your spreadsheet to SpreadsheetWeb Hub, where the automated app generation feature takes over. The platform analyzes your spreadsheet, identifies inputs, outputs, calculations, and other relevant elements, and automatically generates an application based on this analysis. The generated application retains the structure and functionality of your spreadsheet, while also providing a sleek and intuitive user interface. Users can access the application through a web browser, eliminating the need for them to have the original spreadsheet or any specialized software installed.
However, while Automated App Generation offers convenience and speed, ensuring the application's quality is crucial for a seamless user experience. In this article, we will explore essential tips to enhance the quality of applications created using the automated app generation feature in SpreadsheetWeb Hub.
By implementing the suggestions outlined in this article, you can elevate the user experience of your applications, streamline user interactions, and ensure the accurate representation of data. Let's dive in and discover how to improve application quality while harnessing the power of automated app generation in SpreadsheetWeb Hub.
Adding Named Ranges
It is essential to ensure that your workbook includes Named Ranges for input and output cells before uploading it to SpreadsheetWeb Hub. This is because the Applications rely on Named Ranges for reference and functionality. If your workbook lacks named ranges, the system will try to identify the input and output cells. In complex spreadsheets, this process may lead to unnecessary information included in the user interface. To utilize specific cells or cell ranges in the Designer, you must first define them as Named Ranges in Excel. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly review your workbook and identify the inputs and outputs prior to initiating the development process.
In the sample worksheet below, all yellow cells are inputs and green cells are output. It means we want those cells appear in the user interface of the application.
If those cells are assigned named ranges prior to uploading the file to SpreadsheetWeb Hub, the system will be able to include them in the user interface.
The screesnhot below shows the user interface created by Automated App Generation in one click. Also note that the system can also detect labels for each control as well as relevant control types like dropdowns, calendar controls etc.
Organizing Worksheets
Another tip to enhance the application quality when using the automated app generation feature is to bring all input and output cells into specific worksheets. By organizing inputs and outputs in separate worksheets, you can improve the clarity and organization of the user interface.
Furthermore, it is recommended to hide any rows and columns that contain cells not intended to appear in the user interface. This helps to streamline the application's presentation and prevents users from interacting with unnecessary elements. By segregating inputs, data, calculations etc.. into dedicated worksheets and hiding irrelevant rows and columns, you create a focused and user-friendly interface that enhances the overall quality of the application.
Worksheet Selection
In order to further improve the application quality while utilizing the automated app generation feature in SpreadsheetWeb Hub, it is advisable to hide worksheets that are not intended to appear in the user interface. This step ensures that only relevant and necessary information is presented to the application users, reducing any confusion or clutter. While you can unselect these worksheets during the Automated App Creation interface, if you plan to use the single-click app generation feature, it is recommended to hide them directly in Excel. This way, the hidden worksheets will not be included in the generated application, resulting in a more streamlined and focused user interface.
By consciously hiding worksheets that are not meant to be visible to users, you can enhance the overall application quality by presenting a clean and optimized interface that only includes the essential components.
Data Presentation
To optimize the presentation of input or output data in a tabular format within the generated application, it is recommended to name the entire table as a named range. By assigning a named range to the table, the automated app creation process in SpreadsheetWeb Hub will recognize it and include it as a grid control in the application's user interface.
Using grid controls allows for a structured and organized representation of tabular data, enhancing the user experience and making it easier for users to interact with the information. By naming the entire table as a named range, you ensure that the tabular data is seamlessly incorporated into the application, maintaining its format and functionality.
By adopting this approach, you can present input or output data in a visually appealing and user-friendly manner, effectively improving the application's quality and usability. In this example, the results are displayed in a tabular view as shown in the below left. If this table is given a named range, Automated App Generation tool will automatically create a grid control in the user interface as show below right
The tips provided for improving application quality while using the automated app generation feature in SpreadsheetWeb Hub are crucial for ensuring a seamless and effective user experience. By following these recommendations, such as adding named ranges, organizing inputs and outputs, hiding irrelevant elements, and utilizing tabular formats, you can enhance the clarity, usability, and overall quality of the generated applications.
It is important to note that if these preparations are not implemented, the software will attempt to detect inputs and outputs automatically. However, the accuracy of the final application in setting up UI elements may not be as precise. Therefore, by proactively applying the suggested preparations, you take control of the application's design and ensure that the user interface accurately represents the intended inputs and outputs.
These preparations and attention to detail greatly contribute to the overall quality and effectiveness of applications generated through SpreadsheetWeb Hub's automated app generation feature. By implementing these tips, you can elevate the user experience, optimize data presentation, and ensure the accuracy of UI elements, resulting in high-quality applications tailored to your specific needs.
