Possible to create fusion formulas using Fusion API in Slate?

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Hi,

I know that it is possible to create dropdowns directly in fusion sheets using native functions/formulas.

However, in my use case, I have a Slate dashboard from which I want to initialise cells with dropdowns or other types of formulas.
Currently, using the Fusion API in Slate, I create regions and initialise certain values in cells using a request in which I indicate the cell identifier, assign it a type, and the value I want it to have. This is a sample of the request I send forrows:[ ":!!09~56ec0480”: { “type”: “untypedString”, “untypedString”: “NO”]}, based on the usage example included in the API:

{"userId": "optional<string>", "rows": "list<map<ColumnId, CellInput>>" }

For this case, I have tried passing the formula itself (=dropdown(array(1,2,3)), for example) as a value in the request, but it is not detecting it and ends up showing me the literal text in the cell. I suspect that perhaps I can define the column type in another way instead of untypedString that makes it detect the formula as what it is, or pass some other property to that cell indicating that it is a function, but I have not found any documentation on this.

Therefore, my question is, is it possible, through the Slate Fusion API, to initialise cells in a more specific way that allows formulas/functions to be injected?

Thank you

2

Hi Sundul,

Thank you for your question about creating Fusion formulas programmatically using the Fusion API in Slate.

Current API Limitations:

Unfortunately, you’re correct in your observation - the Fusion API currently has significant limitations when it comes to programmatic formula creation. The API doesn’t support passing functions or formulas into regions programmatically. When you attempt to pass a formula string (like =dropdown(array(1,2,3))), Fusion interprets it as literal text rather than an executable formula. Also, when retrieving data from regions via the API, you receive the computed values rather than the underlying formulas, making it impossible to programmatically replicate or modify formula logic.

Available Workarounds:

While direct programmatic formula creation isn’t possible, here are several alternative approaches you can consider:

  1. Fusion Widget Direct Usage: Use the Fusion widget directly in your Slate dashboard, which allows users to interact with formulas natively within the spreadsheet interface.

  2. Adjacent Formula Pattern: If your formula logic is consistent but requires dynamic values:

    • Use the API to populate data values in your region

    • Place your formulas in cells adjacent to (typically to the right of) the data region (in advance)

    • Reference the API-populated cells in your formulas

    • This allows the formula structure to remain static while the input values change dynamically