I'm happy to announce the first official release of the IntelliSense extension!
Excel-DNA IntelliSense provides on-sheet help for UDF functions as they are entered into a cell formula, similar to the help available for built-in Excel functions.
For Excel-DNA add-ins (v0.32 and later) that already provide descriptions in the [ExcelFunction] and [ExcelArgument] attributes, no extra work is needed. Just download and open (or install) the latest ExcelDna.IntelliSense.xll add-in from the GitHub (https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense/releases), and the IntelliSense will light up. (There is also a NuGet package for embedding the service into your add-in, making distribution a bit easier.)
For VBA functions, you can add an extra sheet with the IntelliSense descriptions, or add an external .xml file with the information, or embed as a the CustomXML part in the Workbook or .xlam add-in.
Then open (or install) the ExcelDna.IntelliSense.xll add-in to provide the display service. Charles Williams, of FastExcel fame, has a detailed write-up on adding IntelliSense for your VBA function - see https://fastexcel.wordpress.com/2016/10/07/writing-efficient-vba-udfs-part-15-adding-intellisense-to-your-udfs/.
For PyXLL users, the latest PyXLL 3.1 release offer built-in support for IntelliSense with the ExcelDna.IntelliSense.xll add-in installed. See https://enthought.pyxll.com/whatsnew.html#intellisense.
Other native .xll add-ins can also provide IntelliSense through an external .xml file.
Details and downloads are on GitHub:
- Home: https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense
- Releases: https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense/releases
- Getting Started: https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense/wiki/Getting-Started
- Detailed Usage Instructions: https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense/wiki/Usage-Instructions including details for incorporating the library into your own add-in for easier distribution.
Public support and bug reports: The Excel-DNA Google group (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/exceldna) is the best place for general questions, comments etc. Detailed bug reports and feature requests can be added to the GitHub issues list: https://github.com/Excel-DNA/IntelliSense/issues
Corporate support and private donations: If you find Excel-DNA and extensions like the IntelliSense service useful, please support the project by arranging a corporate support agreement, or making a donation via PayPal. See https://excel-dna.net/support/ for details and contact information.