[libreoffice-users] Re: Using and Formatting Logical Functions in Calc

Hi, Andreas,

Sorry for the late reply, but I just came off 4 workdays, 11 hours each 
plus commuting time.   :-)  I didn't have time to do any newsgroup replies.

Comments for discussion, not for assistance.   :-)

On 6/30/12 10:54 AM, Andreas Säger wrote:
> Am 30.06.2012 14:09, Ken Springer wrote:

<snip>

> > It was the actual formatting of the functions in the cell that was the
> > problem.  Do I need parens here?  Should there be a space and capitals?
> >    How are the functions I need supposed to be entered, as a group, into
> > the cell?  Should these two functions be grouped in parens?
>
>
> Each and every function call is followed by a pair of parens.
> =NOW without parens returns the value of a cell named "NOW" (it is
> possible to give names to cells).
>
> Function with no parameter:
> =NOW() returns the current time as number
> _Try_out_: =NOW(13) --> Err:508 13 is pointless when you want to know
> the time.
>
> Function with exactly one parameter:
> =UPPER(A1) returns the text in A1 in upper case letters.
> Only functions of category "Text" return text.
> _Try_out_:  =UPPER(A1,13,A2) --> Err:508
>         =UPPER() --> Err:510

<snip>

And from another message:

On 6/28/12 11:42 PM, Andreas Säger wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Like any other programming language Calc can nest functions as far as
> the data types of the incoming parameters match the data types of the
> nested function results. The details are mostly the same as with any
> other spreadsheet program of the past 30 years with the only exception
> that there is no boolean data type. TRUE equals 1, FALSE equals 0
> without any conversion.
>
> A Calc cell can have a number, text, blank and error. All constants are
> number or text, a formula may return number, text or error.
>
> =FUNCTION(number ; text ; range ; vector )
>
> *should* be nested like this:
>
>> =FUNCTION( function_number(x) ; function_text(x) ; function_range(x) 
; function_vector(x) )
>
> [a vector is a range made of a single row or column. Sometimes this
> shape is required]

<snip>

Some time back, there was a thread, I think in this list, wondering why 
people didn't use databases.  I think you can ask the same question of 
spreadsheets and word processors, why don't users use them more often 
and more effectively?

I've said for years and years, the ordinary user does not have the 
knowledge necessary to get the most from these types of programs.

If LO wants users to be able to use LO effectively, they need to find a 
way to educate the ordinary user on the very simple basics.   When 8-bit 
computers were cutting edge, you could go to almost any magazine rack 
and find numerous computer related magazines that taught you the very 
basics.  I don't see that now.  :-(  It seems today's writers all assume 
the reader has that knowledge, but there is always someone that doesn't. 
 And I think many of today's writers simply do not know how to 
communicate with the ordinary user using language the ordinary user 
understands.

Chapter 7 of the Calc manual is a great start, but currently it doesn't 
provide enough information for the ordinary user, IMO.  Somehow, the LO 
documentation writers need to get all of the information into something 
that can be downloaded.  Maybe documentation for beginners and for 
advanced users.  Maybe provide the information in some type of CD/DVD 
disk image file that includes both software and documentation that can 
be downloaded, and include instructions as to how to make that disk 
image useable.

The information you provided me is something for advanced users, IMO. 
And I'm not advanced enough anymore!   LOL  I've forgotten a lot of my 
advanced math (algebra, trigonometry, etc.) that I learned years and 
years ago.

For the ordinary user, not only does LO need to explain the basics by 
using "=FUNCTION(number ; text ; range ; vector )" and "=FUNCTION( 
function_number(x) ; function_text(x) ; function_range(x) ; 
function_vector(x) )" with explanations, you need examples that use real 
references from a sample spreadsheet, like "=IF(C49="Y",O49,"")".  This 
way the ordinary user sees an example of how to actually enter the 
formula with proper formatting.

I know this is not a simple or easy task.  I've written instructions for 
small projects over the years.  I even helped write the help files for a 
software program on a computer system that's been gone from the 
marketplace for years.

LO has made a great start in this area, and I tell everyone this, but I 
see a long way to go.  I wish they would stop trying to add new 
features, and accomplish two things:  1) Get the documentation caught up 
with the current release, so when a new release comes out, the 
documentation matches.  2) *FIX THE BUGS*!!!

Just my two cents.    :-)

--
Ken

Mac OS X 10.6.8
Firefox 13.0.1
Thunderbird 13.0.1
LibreOffice 3.5.2.2




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