> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.coherent.global/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.coherent.global/assistant/overview.md).

# Overview

Extend the capabilities of Excel and simplify your workflow

Coherent Assistant is an Excel add-in designed to integrate the capabilities of Spark directly into Excel. It enables users to connect to their Spark instance, upload and download Spark services as Excel files, and create testbeds within Excel. Additionally, users can establish live connections to external APIs and Spark services directly from Excel, among many other features.

The add-in can be installed from Microsoft AppSource Marketplace or with a manifest file. Follow the steps in [Installation](/assistant/get-started/installation.md) to have the add-in appear in Excel.

## Applications

Coherent Assistant offers a suite of applications designed to enhance your daily workflow. Below, you will find a list of these applications accompanied by brief descriptions of their functionalities. We are committed to continuously expanding this suite with new applications and enhancing the features of existing ones.

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Connect</strong></td><td>Establish a direct connection to Spark to unlock features that seamlessly integrate with Spark.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2e21bb1fae21c164cdba52875631048c639ec585%2Fassistant-tile-connect.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-connect.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/get-started/connect-to-spark.md">Connect to Spark</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Agent</strong></td><td>Use AI to understand, audit, and update workbooks with guided approvals.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-74dd08e50dc6500a1c04548d5871a4ca40da5e6f%2Fassistant-tile-agent.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-agent.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/agent/what-is-agent.md">What is Agent?</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Mapper</strong></td><td>Mapping the inputs and outputs of your model is now easier than ever.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-98e3ab5832c340cc2e8f7f8cbfc23c5d1cfaeae2%2Fassistant-tile-mapper.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-mapper.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/mapper/mapping-inputs-and-outputs.md">Mapping Inputs &amp; Outputs</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Services</strong></td><td>Browse, create, and update Spark services directly from Excel.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b7b858a449bd50e052394744c939fa212a249a00%2Fassistant-tile-agent-1.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-agent-1.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/services/linking-your-file-to-spark.md">Linking your file to Spark</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Solver</strong></td><td>Performs a What-if analysis similar to Goal Seek with each API call.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4c6556d983d607bb963f0e290b935bd8f280f5e7%2Fassistant-tile-solver.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-solver.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/solver/creating-a-solver.md">Creating a solver</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Shell</strong></td><td>Obfuscate the logic of your Excel models to simplify collaboration.</td><td><a href="https://272370975-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQQAtOKkd2V4rbmsT77rn%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-1fbbe41616481c1e2ee7abc3344802a4b3a451f0%2Fassistant-tile-shell.webp?alt=media">assistant-tile-shell.webp</a></td><td><a href="/assistant/shell/what-is-shell.md">What is Shell?</a></td></tr></tbody></table>