Steven H. Rogers writes:
> Spreadsheets are often used to edit, view, and present data with little
> actual computation performed on spreadsheet values.  While APL and J are
> "better" at most computations, spreadsheets are "good enough" for most
> people's needs.
>

The good enough is the enemy of the good.

I agree with Oleg's comments about intuitiveness being a major appeal with
spreadsheets.  Anything that can be used instantly to solve the task at
hand is better than something which has to be deliberately learned.

I know a number of people who know very little about programming but are
absolute whizzes with spreadsheets.  In general, they are incapable of
explaining what they are doing, but get they the correct result,
reinforcing the idea that spreadsheets tap into some kind of intuition.

Best wishes,

John

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