Can a spreadsheet like Excel or Calc serve as a live input tool for a web application by POSTing data, thereby avoiding overly complex grid widgets?
While Excel and Calc are not primarily designed as web application interfaces, they have been used creatively to manage live data inputs. In my experience, integrating spreadsheets with web services usually involves additional layers such as custom macros or scripts that can handle HTTP requests, converting cell changes into POSTs. For instance, I have seen solutions where an Excel workbook interacts with a backend service via Office.js or VBA scripts, though this approach often requires careful handling of synchronization and security. This method is feasible but typically demands a deep dive into customization and integration specifics.