Is an Interactive Spreadsheet an "Application"?

[webtea]

I have a spreadsheet where input is allowed, and formulas, macros, VBA XML functions and all sorts of other whiz-bang stuff produces output. Would you all consider this an "application"? If so, then how would I differentiate the 'application' Excel from the 'application' my_app?

I know these seem like silly questions, but they're ones that I've really never thought much about and we're trying to classify our projects according to what applications they'll run on.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Sunny G]

I think an application would run independently, whereas a spreadsheet can only "run" with Excel. Technically, according to this, the spreadsheet is not an application.

However, if you consider Excel a "runtime environment", then yes (or something similar). The spreadsheet could then be considered an application in that respect.

In any case, you gave the spreadsheet application-like functionality.:) What is is made to do, specifically?

I hope that helps.

[webtea]

I think an application would run independently, whereas a spreadsheet can only "run" with Excel. Technically, according to this, the spreadsheet is not an application.

However, if you consider Excel a "runtime environment", then yes (or something similar). The spreadsheet could then be considered an application in that respect.

In any case, you gave the spreadsheet application-like functionality.:) What is is made to do, specifically?

I hope that helps.
Thanks for the response.

I'm modeling a database that is to include all of the applications that we build for our customers, as well as customized spreadsheets, Access DBs, etc. It's easy to have a 'Custom Applications' table that is tied to an 'Application Types' table that would contain values like 'Web Service' and 'Web Application'; but does 'Excel Application' fit in there? Now I'm thinking about creating a new table called 'Customized Applications', whose types table would contain values like 'Excel' and 'Access'.

I don't know, it's just a little difficult to determine where such things would be placed...

[LeeU]

I don't know, it's just a little difficult to determine where such things would be placed...
Basically, if it runs on its own, it's an app. If it needs a program to run it, or to run within - like the spreadsheet (aside from the operating system), then it wouldn't be an app.

[TJ111]

I would consider Firebug and FoxyFTP to be "apps", but they require Firefox to run. I think I would consider an application something that "Adds functionality to its runtime environment that otherwise wouldn't be available", or something.

[webtea]

Thanks to all of you for the input. :)

TJ111: Adds functionality to its runtime environment that otherwise wouldn't be available.

I really think this makes the most sense. ;) As such, I ended up calling an Access or Excel 'solution' a 'Customized Application'.