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Actions

Actions are a Lido spreadsheet paradigm where a formula cell compiles into an executable operation rather than returning a display value. You define what should happen using familiar formula syntax, and Lido compiles it into a triggerable operation.

What is an Action?​

An action cell contains a formula that, when triggered, performs an operation. Common examples:

  • COPYFILE(...) — copies a file from one location to another
  • SLEEP(5000) — pauses for 5 seconds (useful in multi-step action sequences)
  • PRINT("message") — outputs a message for debugging

Action cells display their formula text (not a computed value) until they are triggered. When triggered, the operation executes.

Compiling to an Action​

Formulas that return an Action value are compiled by Lido's formula engine into executable steps. The spreadsheet recognizes these formulas by their return type:

  • When the spreadsheet is not running an action, the cell shows the formula string
  • When an action is triggered, Lido evaluates the formula and executes its operation

This means the same formula serves as both documentation (showing what will happen) and implementation (performing the operation when run).

Triggering Actions​

Actions can be triggered in two ways:

  1. Manually — Right-click an action cell and select "Run" from the context menu
  2. Automated — Right-click an action cell and select "Create Automation" to set up a schedule or other trigger that runs the action automatically

You can chain multiple action formulas together using CHAIN or BATCH, and automation runs them in sequence or in parallel without manual intervention.

Sections​

  • File Paradigm — Sync formulas, source formulas, and keeping files in sync

For a complete reference of all action formulas (and non-action Lido formulas), see the Formulas section.