is it possible to use C# to write functionality within an excel workbook

Question

I have an excel workbook which needs to query data from an HTTP server. Query directly from a remote database isn't an option.

From what I know I can use VB macros to contact the HTTP server and update the cells in the workbook. Is it possible to do this in C#? I don't want to additional burden of deploying an extra application.

Thanks for your help.

You could perhaps set up a local database on a local server and have a C# application keep an up-to-date local cache. — J..., Jun 30 '12 at 18:34
@Remou - i don't have a separate C# application. Would preferably want to deploy just the excel file — nutsiepully, Jul 01 '12 at 07:07

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 30 '12 at 18:23

3

You can use the VSTO to create a document or application level addin to Excel. Look here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/hh128771.aspx

answered Jun 30 '12 at 18:23

lkurylo

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the document level customization mentioned in the link might just be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks a bunch! – nutsiepully Jul 01 '12 at 07:17
if this is exactly what you need, please mark this post as the answer to your question – lkurylo Jul 05 '12 at 12:12

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:22

Follow the first couple of repro steps here to create a Visual Studio Tools for Office - Excel Add-In.

Skip the last step about the calender control.

In the Excel AddIn Project > add a Ribbon Bar and Button and you can invoke methods to collect the data via http and refresh the workbook. Everything in VSTO is pretty much the exact same way you would do it in VBA but in C# syntax.

Extend Your VBA Code With VSTO

When it comes to deploying you should use a Setup Project and it will create an MSI. If you have a App.Config file be aware when deploying you need to set the setup project to add a registry key: https://stackoverflow.com/a/10525693/495455

I highly recommend this blog for tips on better VSTO memory management via .Net code: http://jake.ginnivan.net/

is it possible to use C# to write functionality within an excel workbook

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