Some people certainly do development work with spreadsheets in order to solve problems in extremely locked down environments where they don't have the option of using Python. However, many people don't know how to use basic formulas, let alone more advanced features.
The perception that you can't do real development work in spreadsheets pushes people who can do real development work and have the option of using any other environment, like Python, to do so.
Since most programmers don't develop in spreadsheets, there are common misconceptions about the capabilities of functions and VBA. For instance, VBA has had OO and generics for quite a while. Another consequence of not being popular among developers is the VBA IDE is wonky and probably won't ever have its problems fixed.
I agree with that. Spreadsheets are Turing complete but realistically you aren't really 'programming' to the extent that program languages allow you to unless you're doing so in a locked down environment like you've said. However, it's pretty clear that the "up front costs" of creating basic data analysis and formulas is much feasible in Excel than Python (no need to learn syntax, CLI, etc.) If only spreadsheets could innovate the UI of more advanced features ... maybe it could be the greatest low-code tool of all time, if not already.
Spreadsheets are definitely already the greatest low-code tool of all time. Not sure what innovations you're looking for. There have been all sorts of advanced features added to excel over the years, some requiring more code to work with than others. Like power query and power pivot.
I think what makes spreadsheets as popular as they are is the flexibility. Most low-code solutions sacrifice too much power, which causes users to get frustrated whenever something outside of the normal workflow happens.
Some people certainly do development work with spreadsheets in order to solve problems in extremely locked down environments where they don't have the option of using Python. However, many people don't know how to use basic formulas, let alone more advanced features.
The perception that you can't do real development work in spreadsheets pushes people who can do real development work and have the option of using any other environment, like Python, to do so.
Since most programmers don't develop in spreadsheets, there are common misconceptions about the capabilities of functions and VBA. For instance, VBA has had OO and generics for quite a while. Another consequence of not being popular among developers is the VBA IDE is wonky and probably won't ever have its problems fixed.