How can I access data from excel and other foreign data files?
Clipboard
The quickest, and in many cases easiest, way to access data files from other Windows applications (for example, spreadsheets) is to use the Clipboard, which in Statistica supports special Clipboard data formats generated by applications such as Microsoft Excel. For example, Statistica properly interprets formatted cells (such as 4/17/1999 or $10) and text values (including extensive in-cell formatting, such as= RVStower120.3MHz).
File import facilities
Data files from a wide variety of Windows and non-Windows applications can be accessed and translated into the Statistica format using the file import facilities (by opening the file using the File - Open command). You can even access formatted and free format text (ASCII) files.
The main advantages of using the file import facilities (over the Clipboard) are that:
- You can specify the exact way in which the translation is to be performed (for example., access named ranges in the foreign data files; decide whether or not to import variable names, text labels, and case names; and how to interpret them)
- You can access types of data that are not (or not easily) accessible to Clipboard operations (such as missing data codes)
See Importing Data for further details.
Statistica Query
In addition to the file import facilities described above, Statistica provides access to virtually all databases using flexible Statistica Query, accessible from both the File - Get External Data and the Data - Get External Data menus.
OLE Links
Statistica supports the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) conventions allowing you to link values or text in Statistica documents (such as= spreadsheets and reports) to documents in other (Windows) applications. The procedure is in fact much simpler than it might appear and can be easily employed without technical knowledge about the mechanics of OLE, especially when you use the Paste Link (instead of script-entry) method. See How do I set up OLE links between Statistica and other Windows applications? and OLE Links for further details.
DDE links
Finally, Statistica supports the Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) conventions; thus, you can dynamically link a range of data in a spreadsheet to a subset of data in other (Windows) applications. Like OLE, the procedure is in fact much simpler than it might appear, and can be easily employed without technical knowledge about the mechanics of DDE. To set up a DDE Link, select DDE Links from the Edit menu. See How do I set up DDE links between STATISTICA and other Windows applications? and DDE Links for further details.