A `.split()` function for excel—assumes 0 index, "-" delimiter, and reference cell "A2" but are all customizable. Outputs a string representation of the formula

excel_split.py

def recurse(remaining_steps, delimiter='"-"', reference_cell="A2"):
    if remaining_steps==0:
        return 'SEARCH('+delimiter+','+reference_cell+')+1'
    else:
        return 'SEARCH('+delimiter+','+reference_cell+','+recurse(remaining_steps-1, delimiter, reference_cell)+')+1'

def build(i, delimiter='"-"', reference_cell="A2"):
    if i<0:
        raise ValueError
    elif i==0:
        return 'LEFT('+reference_cell+', SEARCH('+delimiter+','+reference_cell+')-1)'
    elif i>=1:
        return 'MID('+reference_cell+', '+recurse(i-1,delimiter,reference_cell)+', '+
          recurse(i,delimiter,reference_cell)[:-2]+"-"+
          recurse(i-1,delimiter,reference_cell)[:-2]+'-1)'