Developing an interface between gretl and Excel software
Simon Rupar · 2012
The main goal of the thesis was to connect the gretl econometric software package with the Microsoft's Excel electronic spreadsheet. By connecting these two applications, the functionality of Excel is extended by econometric and advanced statistical analyses. The aim of the thesis was to demonstrate that a connection between gretl and Excel is possible, and to find the most feasible way to implement it. The solution would enable the wide audience of Excel users to face econometrics and advanced statistics more easily. The thesis first briefly introduces econometrics and the gretl software. Next, the concept and development of application program interface is explained. The Wrapper concept and the Microsoft .NET framework are then described. The development of the Excel add-in, which implements the connection with gretl, is described in detail. The functionality of the pilot add-in is demonstrated. In the conclusion, possibilities for further development are outlined.