John Williams, FIAP writes:
I was amused at Clinton Jones’ article on the use of spreadsheets where databases would be more appropriate. I too have noticed this trend, but am aware that I am guilty of a similar, related one. Having programmed databases for many years now, but with very little contact with spreadsheets, I have a tendency to use databases for applications that would probably be better done with Excel. It’s just that I know I can do it in half the time with Access.
I may be getting long in the tooth, but I recall a 1964 (yes, OK, I am) NATO conference on programming languages at which Christopher Strachey said “Just because you can push a pea up a mountain on the end of your nose does not mean it is a good way of getting it there.” Plus ça change…
Something you’d like to get off your chest? Email me (Robin Jones) at eo@iap.org.uk.
