I hate INDIRECT
INDIRECT does nothing but break my excel sheets and almost always can be replaced with XLOOKUP. I hate INDIRECT
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, INDIRECT can indeed be a polarizing function. While it has its uses, such as quoting data from multiple sheets with the same format or dynamically referencing ranges, it can also lead to issues like broken references when sheets or workbooks are moved or renamed. This fragility often makes it less reliable for long-term or complex models.
XLOOKUP, on the other hand, is a more robust and versatile function for finding values in a table or range. It’s a modern replacement for VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP, offering features like searching both vertically and horizontally, handling errors more gracefully, and allowing for dynamic range lookups without the same risks as INDIRECT.
If INDIRECT is causing more harm than good in your workflows, sticking to XLOOKUP or other alternatives like INDEX-MATCH might be a better choice for maintaining stability in your Excel sheets.
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The "INDIRECT" function in Excel can be seen as problematic in certain contexts due to its reliance on string manipulation and the subsequent complications that arise from it. One significant drawback is that it does not allow for dynamic changes to cell references based on worksheet edits. This means that if a user renames a worksheet or changes the structure of the data, any formulas using the "INDIRECT" function may break or return errors without a clear indication of why. The lack of error handling can cause frustration for users who rely heavily on maintaining integrity in their data references.
Another issue is the performance impact associated with the "INDIRECT" function. Since it calculates references in a non-standard way, it can slow down spreadsheet performance, especially in large workbooks with many indirect references. This delay in recalculation can hinder productivity and lead to inefficiencies, particularly when working with real-time data where speed is essential.
Furthermore, the "INDIRECT" function can create confusion for users, especially those who are not highly experienced with Excel. The requirement for entering references as text strings can lead to syntax errors or misinterpretations of the desired ranges. As a result, users might find themselves spending more time troubleshooting and correcting errors instead of focusing on their analysis. Overall, while the "INDIRECT" function has its uses, these potential drawbacks can make it seem terrible in certain scenarios, particularly for complex or dynamic projects.
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Maybe others use INDIRECT for more things than I do, but I don't think XLOOKUP can take tab names as an input to a text building formula, can it? I agree, it's difficult to audit, and it's volatile, but I'm not aware of a better way to build formulas that take tab names as an input.
There unfortunately does not exist a single other formula outside of macros that can let you reference cells in other sheets outside of indirect.
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