ExcelBridgeSuite

ExcelBridgeSuite is a multi-language Excel add-in framework built with Excel-DNA.

Note: R-Version is ready. Python and Julia versions are in development

It is designed to extend Excel with external runtimes and high-performance native code, including integration with C++ libraries.

Current bridges

• RExcelBridge
• PythonExcelBridge
• JuliaExcelBridge
• Core/ExcelBridge (C++ bridge)
• DuckDBExcelBridge (coming soon - need to do users guide)

What this repo does

ExcelBridgeSuite enables Excel to work with external languages and runtimes through a consistent bridge-style architecture.

Each bridge allows Excel to:

• run code from external runtimes
• exchange data between Excel and the target language
• support helper functions for integration workflows
• support plotting and other extensions

Core/ExcelBridge is the native C++ bridge. It enables high-performance data transfer and computation, and allows direct integration of C++ libraries into Excel workflows.

Repository structure

• core/ExcelBridge - C++ bridge and native performance layer
• src/RExcelBridge - R bridge
• src/PythonExcelBridge - Python bridge
• src/JuliaExcelBridge - Julia bridge

Getting started

You have two options.

Option 1: Use the release files

Download the latest packaged release files from the Releases section of this repository.

This allows you to load the add-in in Excel and explore example functions.

The primary value of ExcelBridgeSuite is the ability to extend Excel with custom functionality, including integrating C++ libraries through the Core/ExcelBridge layer. The release files provide a starting point, but most users will want to build and customize.

Option 2: Build in Visual Studio

You can build the projects yourself in Visual Studio to customize or extend functionality.

This is the recommended approach if you want to:

• integrate custom C++ libraries
• add new functions to Excel
• modify or extend existing bridges
• build performance-critical workflows

General steps:

1. Clone or download the repository
2. Open the relevant project in Visual Studio
3. Restore packages if needed
4. Build the project
5. Load the generated .xll add-in in Excel

Requirements

• Windows
• 64-bit Excel
• Visual Studio for local builds
• The corresponding runtime installed locally:
  • R for RExcelBridge
  • Python for PythonExcelBridge
  • Julia for JuliaExcelBridge

Configuration

Some bridges currently use local path configuration text files for runtime or plot settings.

These may need to be updated for your local environment.

A future improvement will be to reduce or eliminate manual path configuration.

Releases

Packaged builds are available in the Releases section.

Each bridge is distributed separately so you can download only what you need.

Current status

The R, Python, and Julia bridges are available.

The Core/ExcelBridge C++ bridge is under active development and will expand support for native extensions and performance-critical functionality.

Examples and additional documentation will be added.