Modding tools: Access vs. Excel

[Taera]

im sorry to go OT a little, but why do you people use such advanced tools for modding?

[Zarix]

Even little more OT. I prefer to use OpenOffice. It can do pretty much everything that I need but doesn't cost awfully like MS Office. OpenOffice could be better choice for a modding too because it is easier to get.

[Fyron]

Originally posted by Taera:
im sorry to go OT a little, but why do you people use such advanced tools for modding?

It is extremely useful for making mods with things like Tech Grids or complete changes to the entire game.

[capnq]

If you're modding something that involves a lot of numbers, like weapons or culture bonuses, a spreadsheet can help you see whether things are balanced. (I haven't used anything this complex myself, but my mods haven't been that ambitious.)

[PvK]

I used spreadsheets for designing my Proportions mod, to help with all of the calculations and to get statistics easily and to compare things, to graph the population effect curves, and so on.

I hate MS Abscess, BTW.

PvK

[zen.]

I usually go with Excel. I know that Access can compile data into charts that will look like like a spreadsheet, but it might just be overkill. Then again, I suck at using Access.

Just use whatever is most comfortable. If you ever plan on releasing the code/database to the community, though, Excel is the more prevalent app.

zen

[Gryphin]

I use Access to store notes on SEIV in general.
To take advantage of Excells Calculations and Acccess DB functions:
Do the data manipulation in Excel and link the file to Access.
I have not tryed this and do not know how well it would work.
I would be happy to work with you on this.