[Idea]: develop a Google Sheets extension which exposes stdlib functionality

[kgryte]

Idea

The goal of this idea is to allow users to call stdlib APIs from within Google Sheets. This will allow users to perform linear algebra and various machine learning operations directly on spreadsheet data and all within the browser.

In order to execute on this idea, we'll want to support

• two-dimensional array broadcasting semantics
• performant element-wise iteration APIs
• input argument validation tailored to the Sheets context
• Fused operations to avoid unnecessary network calls
• documentation and tutorials demonstrating API usage
• good generation and automation for creating extension builds
• testing and performance measurement to guard against regressions

Expected Outcomes

Google Sheets users will be able to install an extension which exposes stdlib functionality, run statistical tests, evaluate mathematical functions, and perform linear algebra operations using stdlib.

Involved Software

No other software is necessary.

Prerequisite Knowledge

JavaScript, Node.js.

Difficulty

Beginner/Intermediate.

Project Length

175/350 hours. Can be scoped accordingly. A skilled contributor can work on a strategy for performant fused operations.

Potential Mentors

@kgryte @Planeshifter @steff456

[kgryte]

Work on this idea has started, but could use additional help in order to accelerate stdlib integration into the proof-of-concept (at this point) integration with GSheets. Much of the infrastructure is in place. What is needed are motivated contributors who can work to create public APIs and add corresponding documentation.

This project has the potential to have high visibility and impact.

[kgryte]

Link to Google sheets playground with stdlib integration: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Yh9LG8d3puko23CFEgXNhqJuOo53_0FpYq7mgi1bLPU/edit

[kgryte]

Update: the add-on repository is now public: https://github.com/stdlib-js/gsheets