Fabricio Ruch

Transform your LINQ queries into Excel/PDF reports with DoddleReport 1.2

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DoddleReport is a .NET library that simplifies the process of generating Excel and PDF reports directly from LINQ queries or other data sources. With DoddleReport, you can quickly transform your data into professional-looking reports without the need for extensive custom code.

Key Features of DoddleReport

1. Easy Report Generation

  • Generate Excel and PDF reports with minimal code.
  • Supports a variety of output formats, including:
    • Excel: .xls, .xlsx
    • **PDF`
    • HTML and CSV for lightweight data exports.

2. Seamless LINQ Integration

  • Directly convert LINQ query results into structured reports.
  • Eliminates the need for manual data parsing or transformation.

3. Built-in Styling and Formatting

  • Customize report headers, footers, and data rows with rich styling options.
  • Apply conditional formatting to highlight specific data points.

4. Configurable Columns

  • Include or exclude columns dynamically based on your needs.
  • Set custom column names and apply transformations to data.

5. Export Flexibility

  • Easily switch between different output formats without changing the core logic of your application.

How DoddleReport Works

Step 1: Install the Library

Use NuGet to install DoddleReport into your project:

Install-Package DoddleReport

Step 2: Create Your Data Source

DoddleReport accepts data sources like LINQ queries, DataTables, or custom collections. For example:

var products = from p in db.Products
select new
{
p.ProductId,
p.Name,
p.Price,
p.Category
};

Step 3: Generate the Report

Pass the data source to DoddleReport to create a report:

var report = new Report(products.ToReportSource());
report.TextFields.Title = "Product Report";
report.TextFields.SubTitle = "Generated on " + DateTime.Now.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy");
report.RenderHints.FreezeRows = 1;

Step 4: Export to Desired Format

Export the report to Excel, PDF, or other formats:

var writer = new ReportWriterFactory().CreateWriter("Excel");
writer.WriteReport(report, HttpContext.Response.OutputStream);

Advantages of Using DoddleReport

  1. Time-Saving:
    • Automates report generation, reducing manual effort and custom code.
  2. Integration with LINQ:
    • Directly supports LINQ queries, a common data access method in .NET applications.
  3. Professional Output:
    • Generates polished reports with built-in styling options.
  4. Flexibility:
    • Easily switch between different report formats like Excel, PDF, or HTML.
  5. Open Source:
    • The library is available for free and is actively maintained on GitHub.

Limitations

  1. Basic Charts and Graphics:
    • DoddleReport focuses on tabular data and does not support advanced visualizations like charts or graphs.
  2. Customization Overhead:
    • While basic reports are easy to create, extensive customization might require additional coding.
  3. Lack of Active Updates:
    • The library’s last major release was in 2011, and it may not fully support newer .NET frameworks.

Use Cases

  1. Business Reporting:
    • Generate Excel reports for sales data, inventory tracking, or financial summaries.
  2. PDF Reports:
    • Produce printable PDF reports for compliance or record-keeping purposes.
  3. Web Applications:
    • Export tabular data from ASP.NET applications to Excel or PDF with minimal effort.
  4. Quick Prototyping:
    • Ideal for projects where rapid report generation is needed without heavy dependencies.

Conclusion

DoddleReport is a powerful and straightforward solution for developers looking to transform LINQ queries into Excel or PDF reports. While it may lack the advanced features of modern reporting tools, its simplicity and ease of integration make it an excellent choice for lightweight reporting needs. Whether you’re building internal tools, automating data exports, or enhancing web applications, DoddleReport is a tool worth considering.