Objects and methods for accessing a data source and enhancing an application

An object for enhancing an application that without enhancement is ordinarily capable of presenting information in an array of data elements, the unenhanced application permitting a user to enter or retrieve at least one ordinary expression for processing and display in the array of data elements, the object being capable of accessing a data source and comprising:

• a query generator for (a) interposing in ordinary operations of the application in order to read the ordinary expression previously entered manually by the user in the array of data elements, and (b) requesting information from the data source based on the ordinary expression;
• a composer for interposing in ordinary operations of the application in order to (a) receive requested information from the data source in response to said query generator and (b) transfer the requested information to the application for processing and display in the array of data elements alongside the ordinary expression before returning to a condition where the application operates autonomously;
• and
• an interface for interposing in ordinary operations of the application in order to allow the user to specify in advance of a request (a) where in the array of data elements the query generator will find the ordinary expression, and (b) where in the array of data elements the requested information will be displayed relative to the ordinary expression.