Best Report Writer?

[Michael Rodriguez]

We're moving from a Delphi shop to a C# shop. We have now reached the point
where we have to pick the report writer for all future development work. So
far, I've narrowed the list down to 2 choices:

- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Data Dynamics ActiveReports (.NET 2.0 beta 2)

SQL RS looks nice as far as the web application it builds for you by
default. However, the fact that you can't write code in a .cs file attached
to the report concerns me. I know you can call an external dll in an
expression, but that's not really the same thing.

ActiveReports looks more like what I'm used to from the Delphi days, but you
would have to create your own web application to run the reports. I plan to
create all reports as html that way we will have the option of both showing
them in the Windows app (Smart Client) and offering a seperate stand-alone
web reporting application.

Any thoughts/comments?

TIA,

Mike Rodriguez

[Mark Rae]

"Michael Rodriguez" <mi**@nospamforme.com> wrote in message
news:OR**************@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...

We're moving from a Delphi shop to a C# shop.
Hurrah!
- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Data Dynamics ActiveReports (.NET 2.0 beta 2)

Any thoughts/comments?

Have you considered something like this:
http://www.cete.com/Products/Generat...T/Download.csp

[lucas.hardbarger]

Good link:
http://blogs.pingpoet.com/thoughtcha...04/02/504.aspx
HTH,
Luc

[Robbe Morris [C# MVP]]

You should be able to use the same assembly for your
custom charts in both the web and desktop environment.

I love ActiveReports .NET.

--
Robbe Morris - 2004/2005 Microsoft MVP C#

Earn money answering .NET Framework
messageboard posts at EggHeadCafe.com.
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/forums/merit.asp

"Michael Rodriguez" <mi**@nospamforme.com> wrote in message
news:OR**************@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...

We're moving from a Delphi shop to a C# shop. We have now reached the
point where we have to pick the report writer for all future development
work. So far, I've narrowed the list down to 2 choices:

- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Data Dynamics ActiveReports (.NET 2.0 beta 2)

SQL RS looks nice as far as the web application it builds for you by
default. However, the fact that you can't write code in a .cs file
attached to the report concerns me. I know you can call an external dll
in an expression, but that's not really the same thing.

ActiveReports looks more like what I'm used to from the Delphi days, but
you would have to create your own web application to run the reports. I
plan to create all reports as html that way we will have the option of
both showing them in the Windows app (Smart Client) and offering a
seperate stand-alone web reporting application.

Any thoughts/comments?

TIA,

Mike Rodriguez

[Ignacio Machin \( .NET/ C# MVP \)]

Hi,

I prefer to use CR , You can export it to PDF , also it's datasource free,
you can use it from SQL, access, etc even with a dataset created in your
program.

I haven't use ActiveReports so I cannot compare it with CR.

Cheers,

--
Ignacio Machin,
ignacio.machin AT dot.state.fl.us
Florida Department Of Transportation

"Michael Rodriguez" <mi**@nospamforme.com> wrote in message
news:OR**************@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...

We're moving from a Delphi shop to a C# shop. We have now reached the
point where we have to pick the report writer for all future development
work. So far, I've narrowed the list down to 2 choices:

- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Data Dynamics ActiveReports (.NET 2.0 beta 2)

SQL RS looks nice as far as the web application it builds for you by
default. However, the fact that you can't write code in a .cs file
attached to the report concerns me. I know you can call an external dll
in an expression, but that's not really the same thing.

ActiveReports looks more like what I'm used to from the Delphi days, but
you would have to create your own web application to run the reports. I
plan to create all reports as html that way we will have the option of
both showing them in the Windows app (Smart Client) and offering a
seperate stand-alone web reporting application.

Any thoughts/comments?

TIA,

Mike Rodriguez

[Luc]

ActiveReports allows for various exports as well (HTML, Excel, PDF,
RTF, Text, TIFF, etc...). Not only is ActiveReports able to display
data from various datasources, it also has an Unbound mode which allows
you to manually feed it the data as the report renders which offers
great flexibility for any type of report. Also, keep in mind that you
can trap events in ActiveReports as the report is being ran. Each
report has its own 'code behind' class to allow you to customize the
report however you deem necessary. ActiveReports is a 'developers'
tool, so it gives you (the developer) full control when it comes to
printing reports.

I definitely recommend trying all the other report writers first, then
try ActiveReports. Each product definitely has their pros and cons, but
ActiveReports really is the ultimate report writer.

Good luck deciding. :)
Luc

[Michael Rodriguez]

<lu**************@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:11**********************@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...

Good link:
http://blogs.pingpoet.com/thoughtcha...04/02/504.aspx
HTH,
Luc

That was a good link. Perhaps a little biased, but good nonetheless.

[Michael Rodriguez]

"Luc" <lu**************@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:11**********************@g44g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...

ActiveReports allows for various exports as well (HTML, Excel, PDF,
RTF, Text, TIFF, etc...). Not only is ActiveReports able to display
data from various datasources, it also has an Unbound mode which allows
you to manually feed it the data as the report renders which offers
great flexibility for any type of report. Also, keep in mind that you
can trap events in ActiveReports as the report is being ran. Each
report has its own 'code behind' class to allow you to customize the
report however you deem necessary. ActiveReports is a 'developers'
tool, so it gives you (the developer) full control when it comes to
printing reports.

I definitely recommend trying all the other report writers first, then
try ActiveReports. Each product definitely has their pros and cons, but
ActiveReports really is the ultimate report writer.

Good luck deciding. :)
Luc

As much as I love the web app SSRS generates for you, I really hate not
having a code-behind file. Being the control freak that I am, I think I'm
going to end up going with ActiveReports... <g>

Mike