Calc Guide
Introduction
A Calc document is a very capable database, providing sufficient functionality to
satisfy the needs of many users. This chapter presents the capabilities of a Calc
document that make it suitable as a database tool. Where applicable, the functionality
is explained using both the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and macros.
Note
Although this document was initially created for macro programmers, the
content should be accessible to all users. If you do not use macros, then
skip those portions that deal with macros. On the other hand, if you want
to learn more about macros, be certain to check out the book
OpenOffice.org Macros Explained.
In a database, a record is a group of related data items treated as a single unit of
information. Each item in the record is called a field. A table consists of records. Each
record in a table has the same structure. A table can be visualized as a series of rows
and columns. Each row in the table corresponds to a single record and each column
corresponds to the fields. A spreadsheet in a Calc document is similar in structure to
a database table. Each cell corresponds to a single field in a database record. For
many people, Calc implements sufficient database functionality that no other
database program or functionality is required.
While teaching, a spreadsheet might be used as a grading program. Each row
represents a single student. The columns represent the grades received on
homework, labs, and tests (see Table 23). The strong calculation capability provided
in a spreadsheet makes this an excellent choice.
Table 12. Simple grading spreadsheet
A B C D E F G
1
Name Test 1 Test 2 Quiz 1 Quiz 2 Average Grade
2
Andy
95 93 93 92 93.25
3
Betty
87 92 65 73 79.25
4
Bob
95 93 93 92 93.25
5
Brandy
45 65 92 85 71.75
6
Frank
95 93 85 92 91.25
7
Fred
87 92 65 73 79.25
8
Ilsub 70
85 97 79 82.75
9
James
45 65 97 85 73
10
Lisa
100 97 100 93 97.5
11
Michelle 100
97 100 65 90.5
12
Ravi
87 92 86 93 89.5
13
Sal
45 65 100 92 75.5
14
Ted
100 97 100 85 95.5
15
Tom
70 85 93 65 78.25
16
Whil
70 85 93 97 86.25
314 OpenOffice.org 3.3 Calc Guide