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storytold/gridcraft

  • URL: https://github.com/storytold/gridcraft
  • Stars: 3391
  • Language: Rust
  • Category: Developer Tools
  • Topics: None

What it does

GridCraft is an open-source spreadsheet application implemented in pure Rust, designed to replicate the functionality of Microsoft Excel. It supports multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, BSD, and the web via WebAssembly.

Why it's interesting

GridCraft differentiates itself by being a clean-room reimplementation of Excel, focusing on performance with features like copy-on-write workbooks and incremental recalculation. It also aims for high compatibility with Excel's file formats, including XLSX, while being entirely built in Rust, which may appeal to developers interested in systems programming and performance.

How it works

The architecture consists of a layered Cargo workspace, with separate crates for core functionalities, formulas, models, and the user interface. The application uses a dependency-graph calculation engine and supports over 500 worksheet functions. It also features an MCP server for agent-driven commands, allowing for automation and control via a JSON channel. The README indicates that the project is in alpha, with ongoing work to improve fidelity and compatibility with Excel files.

Get started in 5 minutes

To quickly try GridCraft, clone the repository and run the following commands:

cargo run --release -p gridcraft -- --sample sales

This command opens a sample workbook. For web usage, navigate to the apps/gridcraft-web directory and run:

trunk serve --release

This will serve the application at http://127.0.0.1:8771.

Watch out for

GridCraft is currently in alpha, meaning it may not be fully stable or feature-complete. The README notes that while it covers 89% of Excel's ribbon commands and 513 of 523 worksheet functions, it is estimated to be about 50% ready for real work. Users should be cautious about potential bugs and incomplete features, especially regarding file compatibility and performance on older hardware.