parsing an Excel formula with the re module

[vsoler]

Hello,

I am acessing an Excel file by means of Win 32 COM technology.
For a given cell, I am able to read its formula. I want to make a map
of how cells reference one another, how different sheets reference one
another, how workbooks reference one another, etc.

Hence, I need to parse Excel formulas. Can I do it by means only of re
(regular expressions)?

I know that for simple formulas such as "=3*A7+5" it is indeed
possible. What about complex for formulas that include functions,
sheet names and possibly other *.xls files?

For example    "=Book1!A5+8" should be parsed into ["=","Book1", "!",
"A5","+","8"]

Can anybody help? Any suggestions?

Vicente Soler