I use a web database for which I need to add spreadsheet capabilities to its interface. I thought I could use Google Docs spreadsheets. Their Google Script app seems to be functional, what I need. In particular, I can use the URLFetch service in conjunction with onEdit events to keep the table and DB in sync - AJAX style. It also allows me to be very flexible in building, saving, and sharing spreadsheets.
However, some things about the Google Script app paused me. It works on the server side, so it is difficult to debug locally. It has no debugger with breakpoints or stepping. It cannot import external modules or libraries. No JSLint. Without them, I began to get this feeling of "Oh, it will hurt."
So, I am wondering if there is a better way to secure the available browser-based spreadsheet functionality to an existing web database? Or are there better methods to maximize the use of the Google Script application?
EDIT: These are potential solutions in the order that work best for my application:
- Javascript browser browser. (May not exist.)
- Python spreadsheet engine module that I can install on Google App Engine. (I have not seen this either.)
- A more robust and AJAXian approach to Google Spreadsheets. (See original question.)
- Open source spreadsheet engines that I can install on EC2. (It seems that they exist - perhaps SocialCalc or Simple table . Recommendations?)
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