Sell me on Report Builder...

rbuser

Hey all,

I'm currently looking about for a new report utility for delphi, I
currently use Rave 6 or FastReport 2.55 depending on the project and
what I am trying to accomplish.

How are these in comparison to Report Builder? From what I see REport
builder's documentation is at least robust and well written.

Are there built in export routines to export to PDF and Excel?

Josh

nardmoseley

Welcome to ReportBuilder!

I invite you to download a trial version of ReportBuilder Enterprise and
take a test drive. Below is a list of resources for learning RB.

Our goal is to produce the highest quality reporting solution available and
to back it up with high quality support.

ReportBuilder includes native PDF export and RB 10 introduces built-in Email
support. There are thirdparty products that add more export formats
(www.waler.com, ww.gnostice.com, www.rarefind.com).


---------------------------------------------------------------
Article: Resources for Learning ReportBuilder
---------------------------------------------------------------

1. Learning ReportBuilder is a complete learning system designed to teach
end users how to build a range of reports, but it is also an excellent
resource for the developer who is just getting started with RB. Learning RB
includes a 125-page PDF file, a stand-alone application complete with a
database, and a help file. The PDF file contains a set of tutorials, which
can be completed using the provided application. Learning ReportBuilder can
be downloaded from:

http://www.digital-metaphors.com/LearnRB/LearnRB.exe

2. Learning to RAP is designed to teach end-users how to use ReportBuilder's
Calc workspace to perform calculations and control visual aspects of the
report while it is generating. Learning to RAP includes a 59-page PDF file
and a stand-alone application complete with a database. The PDF file is
comprised of a series of tutorials that step end users through the process
of coding calculations and event-handlers to dynamically control report
generation. The application is used in conjunction with the tutorials so
that the learning experience is interactive. Learning ReportBuilder - RAP
can be downloaded from:

http://www.digital-metaphors.com/LearnRB/LearnRap.exe

3. Developer's Guide

When you install RB, this guide is automatically installed into the
RBuilder\Developers Guide directory. It contains extensive conceptual
information and step by step tutorials which show how to construct reports
and reporting applications within the context of the Delphi IDE.


4. On-Line Help

Accessible via a single click of the F1 key from with the Delphi IDE, this
reference resource explains the classes, methods, properties and events
which make up the product. It is also an excellent source of information
regarding installation, troubleshooting and version history.


5. Examples

There are a large number of example reports and reporting applications
included with RB. These show how to accomplish some of the most frequently
requested types of reports. In total there are probably over 200 different
examples covering everything from crosstabs to full-blown end-user reporting
solutions. The RAP functionality included with ReportBuilder Enterprise has
a separate set of demos, tutorials, and help files.


6. news.digital-metaphors.com

The newsgroups are very active with both Digital Metaphors engineers, TeamDM
members (volunteers specially selected for their knowledge of RB and their
willingness to help) and RB developers all pitching in to answer questions
and help each other out. There is also a Tech Tips 'newsgroup' maintained
by DM Engineers which lists over 100 different articles outlining various
tips and techniques. Probably the easiest way to connect to the newsgroups
is to surf the digital metaphors site, go to the support section and click
the newsgroup of your choice:

http://www.digital-metaphors.com/Subpages/Support/newsgroups.html


ReportBuilder newsgroup archives may be searched using a search engine
hosted by Tamarack Associates. Access the the following URL and then search
the Borland Newsgroup database. Tamarack has indexed the ReportBuilder
newsgroup archives in this database.


http://www.tamaracka.com/




7. support@digital-metaphors.com

When you are working on the really advanced stuff, and need an additional
point of view, we're always glad to help.



--
Tech Support mailto:support@digital-metaphors.com
Digital Metaphors http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Josh wrote:
Josh,

I've been using RB since Delphi1. In my opinion it a great product.

My reporting needs are usually pretty simple, but I do have one fairly
complicated report that brings together about 13 different datasources and
subreports into one report, and it works without a hitch. In RB 9 the loading
(at designtime) was a little slow, but I do have an under powered computer, by
todays standards. In RB 10, it seems to load into the designer a little faster.

I guess it is to DM's credit that I don't know much about the documentation,
since I don't have to consult it, often.


The support from the staff has also been excellent. They provide good on-line
support, and are quick to offer patches for bugs that you may report between
official releases.


HTH

Bill

rbuser

Josh wrote:

It's the best one on the market. Found it really easy to do what we
want compared to FR. Have not been able to get my head around RAVE.
Not that I need to either.


Craig
Delphi Source Code for Accounting Systems
www.ledgeraccounting.com