XLL plus 7 is out

My favourite XLL tool just got updated.

I decided ages ago that xll+ was the best way forward for C++ xlls. The main reason was its ability to target both 2007+ and classic Excels from the same file. Hand coding that in C++ is a PITA.

I am still awaiting my first commercial 2010 job, and I am looking forward to a couple of new 2010 features, the main one being the compute cluster integration (native async). XLL plus 7 helps you target that exact functionality, neat.

This version also has Ribbon integration which is great because the native xll interface does not support any ribbon interaction meaning normal xlls become a 2 file solution in 2007+ as you need a workbook/xlam to hold the ribbon customisations. Which was a bit crap.

And this new version of XLL plus also supports 64 bit, which I imagine was a pretty big job.

I’m a bit unconvinced about 64 bit Excel personally, if I needed a spreadsheet bigger than 2gb I would take up yoga so I could give myself a kick up the arse. I suppose if it improves RAM use too I could see some value (and avoid all that stretching).

Perhaps someone could enlighten me on the benefits of 64 bit? 2gb+ jet dbs I could totally use, I have been hit with that barrier loads of times. A 3gb powerpoint would be particularly unwelcome…

Anyway, as a key performance tool provider I guess XLL+ didn’t have much choice, as these big monsters are exactly where you would use XLL+.

Anyway I haven’t even downloaded a copy of 7 yet so I haven’t had chance to try it, I’ll report back when I have.

cheers

simon

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