From: vruz <horacio.lopez@...>
Date: 2005-04-06T07:46:56+09:00
Subject: Re: reading/writing Excel formats (or CSV)

> I'm wondering if it's possible to get Ruby to create files that Excel can
> read?  I suspect that I should be able to use the CSV module for doing
> this.  Do I need to create a seperate header file or can the header be
> placed at the top of the CSV file?  (I don't have Excel, so I can't test
> this)

No need for extra modules if you don't need formulas or visual styling.

CSV headers will do. Tab separated fields will work regardless of
locale setting.
If you rename your CSV file as .XLS and double-click it in the
explorer, Excel will open it just like any other spreadsheet.

Also, if you copy tab-delimited CSV data to the clipboard, Excel will
paste it just as well.

If you need more complex stuff like formulas, and visual styles, you
can create Excel XML files, following  Microsof'ts schemas:
http://www.microsoft.com/office/xml/default.mspx

If you need interoperability among platforms and open formats you may
also want to have a look at:
http://xml.openoffice.org/

cheers,
                                vruz