Structuring Spreadsheets with the "Lish" Data Model

TL;DR

This paper introduces the 'lish' data model, a nested list structure for spreadsheets that captures higher-level data organization, aiming to improve comprehension and reduce errors while maintaining simplicity.

Contribution

The 'lish' model offers a novel nested list approach with templating to represent structured data within spreadsheets, enhancing clarity and reducing formula duplication.

Findings

Demonstration application showcases 'lish' in action.

'Lish' captures hierarchical data structures effectively.

Potential to improve spreadsheet comprehension and reduce errors.

Abstract

A spreadsheet is remarkably flexible in representing various forms of structured data, but the individual cells have no knowledge of the larger structures of which they may form a part. This can hamper comprehension and increase formula replication, increasing the risk of error on both scores. We explore a novel data model (called the "lish") that could form an alternative to the traditional grid in a spreadsheet-like environment. Its aim is to capture some of these higher structures while preserving the simplicity that makes a spreadsheet so attractive. It is based on cells organised into nested lists, in each of which the user may optionally employ a template to prototype repeating structures. These template elements can be likened to the marginal "cells" in the borders of a traditional worksheet, but are proper members of the sheet and may themselves contain internal structure. A small demonstration application shows the "lish" in operation.