Cell references and direct data entry

In Excel retrieve and send formulas it is possible to use either 'direct Excel data entry' (input data going directly into the formula box) or refer to a cell reference which contains the relevant information.

For example, here some data has been entered directly using the 'direct Excel data entry' method:

However, a cell reference containing the relevant information returns exactly the same result.

(Where cell B2 was entered as follows):

Throughout this chapter, the first model of 'direct Excel data entry' has been used in order to avoid confusion. However, users may prefer cell references instead, depending on the customers' needs.