In computer science, a macro is a rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input should be mapped to a replacement output. Macros are used to make a sequence of computing instructions available to the programmer as a single program statement, making the programming task less tedious and less error-prone. They are used to automate frequently used processes or tasks in Excel, such as cleaning up data, formatting cells, creating tables, or organizing data in an Excel spreadsheet. Macros are pieces of code that are given a name, and every time that name is used, the content of the macro is executed. Macros can be used to replay sequences that are long or difficult to run, and they can be assigned to a key or a mouse button. They can also be used to format content that is regularly uploaded to a website, such as event dates or weekly reminders, and to automatically update Excel spreadsheets or send out regular emails for link placement and exchange purposes.