Who Created Excel?

If you’ve ever used a spreadsheet program, chances are you’ve used Microsoft Excel. But do you know who created this powerful tool? Excel has become an essential tool in the workplace, and it can be found in almost every office. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating story behind the creation of Excel and its success over the years. From its humble beginnings to its current widespread use, Excel has changed the way we work with data and information. So, who created Excel and how did it become the powerhouse that it is today? Let’s find out!

Microsoft Developed Excel in 1985

Microsoft developed Excel in 1985, originally to be included in a bundle of other programs. It was initially called Multiplan and was part of Microsoft’s first spreadsheet product line. Excel was designed to be a powerful spreadsheet application that could compete with the popular Lotus 1-2-3. Excel was first released for the Apple Macintosh in 1985 and for Windows in 1987.

The original version of Excel was released in 1985 as a spreadsheet application for the Apple Macintosh and for Windows in 1987. It was initially called Multiplan and was part of Microsoft’s first spreadsheet product line. The original version of Excel was a powerful spreadsheet application that could compete with the popular Lotus 1-2-3. It included features such as adding and editing cells, inserting and deleting rows and columns, formatting cells, copying and pasting data, using formulas and functions, and creating charts and graphs.

Excel has undergone several major updates over the years, with the most recent being the Office 365 subscription-based version, released in 2015. This version of Excel includes cloud-based features that allow users to collaborate on spreadsheets and access them on any device with an internet connection. It also includes new features such as data analysis and visualization tools, improved chart and graph capabilities, and online templates.

Evolution of Excel

Excel has gone through several major updates since its initial release in 1985. In 1993, Microsoft released Excel 5.0, which included support for graphical objects, macros, and pivot tables. Excel 95, released in 1995, included the ability to collaborate with other users, as well as new features such as data validation and 3-D charting. Excel 97, released in 1997, included improved charting capabilities, and the ability to create and use macros.

Excel 2000, released in 2000, included support for XML, as well as enhanced charting and data analysis features. Excel 2002, released in 2002, included support for data cubes and the ability to create web queries. Excel 2003, released in 2003, included improved charting and data analysis features, as well as support for SmartArt diagrams. Excel 2007, released in 2007, included improved data analysis and visualization features, as well as support for external data sources.

Excel 2010, released in 2010, included improved charting and data analysis capabilities, as well as support for the Office Open XML file format. Excel 2013, released in 2013, included improved charting and data analysis capabilities, as well as support for Power Pivot, Power Query, and Power View. Excel 2016, released in 2016, included improved charting and data analysis capabilities, as well as support for the new Office 365 subscription-based version.

Contributors to Excel’s Development

The development of Excel has been spearheaded by a team of dedicated Microsoft employees, including the original lead programmer Charles Simonyi, who was later appointed Microsoft’s Chief Architect. Simonyi was instrumental in the development of Excel and was responsible for many of its features and capabilities. Other contributors to the development of Excel include Doug Klunder, who was responsible for the development of the graphical user interface, and Stephen Toub, who was responsible for the development of the Excel macro language.

Other contributors to the development of Excel include David Nachman, who was responsible for the development of the Visual Basic for Applications programming language, and John Walker, who was responsible for the development of the Microsoft Office Open XML file format. The development team also included many other engineers and developers who worked on various aspects of Excel, such as data analysis, charting, and collaboration tools.

Excel’s Popularity

Since its initial release in 1985, Excel has become one of the most popular spreadsheet applications in the world. It is used by businesses of all sizes to organize and analyze data, create charts and graphs, and collaborate with other users. Excel is also used by students and educators for data analysis and visualization, as well as by hobbyists and home users for budgeting and managing finances.

Excel is used in a variety of industries, including finance, accounting, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It is also used by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other organizations to manage and analyze data. Excel is also used by developers to create custom applications, such as inventory management systems and customer relationship management systems.

Excel is available as a standalone application, as well as part of the Microsoft Office suite of applications. It is available for both Windows and Mac computers, as well as mobile devices. Excel is also available as an online version, which allows users to collaborate and access spreadsheets from any device with an internet connection.

Related FAQ

Who Created Excel?

Answer: Excel was created by Microsoft in 1985. It was originally part of a larger office suite called Multiplan. Microsoft later changed the name to Microsoft Excel and released it as a stand-alone product.

Who Developed the First Version of Excel?

Answer: Excel was originally developed by Bob Frankston and Dan Bricklin. The two developed Multiplan, a spreadsheet application which was later renamed to Microsoft Excel. Microsoft acquired the rights to the software in 1987 and released the first version of Excel in 1988.

What is the Latest Version of Excel?

Answer: The latest version of Excel is Microsoft Office Excel 2019. It was released in September 2018 and is compatible with the Windows 10 operating system. It offers advanced features for data analysis, such as PowerPivot, Power Query and Power View.

What Platforms Does Excel Run On?

Answer: Excel runs on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. It is also available as an online version which runs in web browsers. The online version is called Microsoft Excel Online and can be accessed with a Microsoft account.

What Is the Difference Between Excel and Google Sheets?

Answer: Excel is a spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft. Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet application developed by Google. Both are very similar in terms of features and functions, but Excel has more features and options. Excel also supports macros and VBA, while Google Sheets does not.

What Are the Benefits of Using Excel?

Answer: Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application which allows users to create complex calculations and data analysis. It supports a wide range of features, including pivot tables, macros, VBA and many more. Excel also allows users to work collaboratively on spreadsheets, and its cloud-based version can be accessed from any device. Excel is also often used for data visualisation, with tools such as charts, graphs and diagrams.

Excel, the widely-used spreadsheet software, was created by Microsoft in 1985. It has become an indispensable tool for businesses and individuals alike, and its continued development over the years has revolutionized the way data is stored and used. Its intuitive design and powerful features have made it the go-to software for data analysis, data visualization, and data management. Excel has truly changed the way the world works, and it is no wonder why it is so widely used today.