We are glad to announce the next this year release of Stimulsoft Reports.Fx product line version 2011.2. This line includes the products Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for Flex, Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for PHP, Stimulsoft Reports.Fx for Java. In this version we have added support for parameters, export to Word 2007 and CSV format, globalization, new functions etc. Now it is possible to check reports on errors and fix them quickly. Please read the description of not all but the most significant improvements and features added in Stimulsoft Reports.Fx.
Parameters
To extend the functionality of reports in the new version, we have significantly improved the work with the RequestFromUser parameter of variables. Now, using this option, the process for data request from a user can be greatly expanded. The user can specify not only simple values, but also lists of values and value ranges. In addition, we have significantly expanded the functionality of the variables that are used as parameters. You can add lists of values for the subsequent selection by the user; specify the date and time separately; prohibit the direct editing of parameters by the used; and many more other things. We also added a new button to the toolbar, which allows you to hide or show the parameters panel.
Export to Word 2007
Export to Word 2007 is now available in Stimulsoft Reports.Fx. With this export you can create in the viewer a Word 2007 file on the base of a rendered report. You can start the export process from the Save menu of the report viewer. Before exporting reports, you can configure basic settings with the export settings dialog.
Report Checker
A unique opportunity to test the report for errors is integrated into our product. Now, if you have problems with displaying or rendering reports, you can see a list of errors with detailed information of the problem. In addition, the report generator will offer solutions for the problem, if it is possible to be done automatically. The Report Checker is available from the main menu or from the bottom panel of the report designer.
Exports of Components, New Opportunities
We worked hard on improving the existing export of reports. Now all exports support export of reports in which the following components are used Bar-code, Flag, Chart, and all types of Shapes.
Cross Reports
In the new version we have added full support of cross-reports. In the report designer you can find the Cross-Tab component, with which you can create very complex cross-reports. Cross-table is setup with a special graphical editor that can be invoked double-clicking the component.
Double Pass
Now you can create reports in two passes. Control of number of passes is executed using the NumberOfPass report property. Using two passes allows making, in the first pass, the calculation of important parameters that can be used in the second pass, for calculations or displaying.
Multiple Monitors
Our company claims that all our applications are fully adapted to work on two or more monitors. At the same time you can open multiple applications and place them on different monitors. Before closing the application, all information about the location of the application will be remembered and the next time the application will take that very position in a monitor where it was closed last time.
New Functions
New functions such as Switch, Choose, StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf are added to the data dictionary. Switch and Choose function are used to select values by the index from the list of values. These functions are available from the data dictionary panel for using in expressions. Functions StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf and are designed to work with strings.
Dynamic Sorting
We have expanded interactivity of our report viewer. In the new version you can re-sort the data directly in the viewer. All you need to do is to setup several properties of the component.
Page Order
Now you can change the order of pages in the report designer. This can be done using the context menu of the page tab. In the context menu you can also delete the current page of the report.
Globalization
The new version of the report generator provides full functionality for reports globalization. Using a special editor of the GlobalizationStrings report property, you can create international resources for your report. Then, with only one line of code before report rendering, the report can be globalized to the specified culture.
Conditions
Do you need to change the color of component by a condition? It is no longer a problem. Use the Conditions component property. Add a new condition of formatting, specify the parameters and use it!
Exporting Reports to CSV Format
CSV (Comma Separated Value) format, used mainly for data exchange between applications. Beginning with version 2011.2 you can convert rendered reports into this format. The export process is run from the Save menu of the report viewer.
Levels of Complexity in Properties Panel
In order to reduce the number of properties in the Properties panel, you can configure it. There are three configuration modes: Basic, Standard and Professional. Depending on the type of the selected mode the number of visible properties is changed. In the Basic mode only basic properties are displayed. In the Standard mode all the properties except the most complex are visible. In the Professional - all the properties are visible.
Reports and Page Setup Dialogs
Dialog boxes to configure report and page parameters are completely redesigned in the report designer. New dialog boxes allow you to quickly and visually change the basic parameters of the report and the current page.
PrintOnAllPages Property
The report generator is now able to work with the new property - PrintOnAllPages. This property is available in components Header and Footer Bands.
Parameters
To extend the functionality of reports in the new version, we have significantly improved the work with the RequestFromUser parameter of variables. Now, using this option, the process for data request from a user can be greatly expanded. The user can specify not only simple values, but also lists of values and value ranges. In addition, we have significantly expanded the functionality of the variables that are used as parameters. You can add lists of values for the subsequent selection by the user; specify the date and time separately; prohibit the direct editing of parameters by the used; and many more other things. We also added a new button to the toolbar, which allows you to hide or show the parameters panel.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Export to Word 2007
Export to Word 2007 is now available in Stimulsoft Reports.Fx. With this export you can create in the viewer a Word 2007 file on the base of a rendered report. You can start the export process from the Save menu of the report viewer. Before exporting reports, you can configure basic settings with the export settings dialog.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Report Checker
A unique opportunity to test the report for errors is integrated into our product. Now, if you have problems with displaying or rendering reports, you can see a list of errors with detailed information of the problem. In addition, the report generator will offer solutions for the problem, if it is possible to be done automatically. The Report Checker is available from the main menu or from the bottom panel of the report designer.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Exports of Components, New Opportunities
We worked hard on improving the existing export of reports. Now all exports support export of reports in which the following components are used Bar-code, Flag, Chart, and all types of Shapes.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Cross Reports
In the new version we have added full support of cross-reports. In the report designer you can find the Cross-Tab component, with which you can create very complex cross-reports. Cross-table is setup with a special graphical editor that can be invoked double-clicking the component.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Double Pass
Now you can create reports in two passes. Control of number of passes is executed using the NumberOfPass report property. Using two passes allows making, in the first pass, the calculation of important parameters that can be used in the second pass, for calculations or displaying.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Multiple Monitors
Our company claims that all our applications are fully adapted to work on two or more monitors. At the same time you can open multiple applications and place them on different monitors. Before closing the application, all information about the location of the application will be remembered and the next time the application will take that very position in a monitor where it was closed last time.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
New Functions
New functions such as Switch, Choose, StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf are added to the data dictionary. Switch and Choose function are used to select values by the index from the list of values. These functions are available from the data dictionary panel for using in expressions. Functions StartsWith, EndsWith, and IndexOf and are designed to work with strings.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Dynamic Sorting
We have expanded interactivity of our report viewer. In the new version you can re-sort the data directly in the viewer. All you need to do is to setup several properties of the component.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Page Order
Now you can change the order of pages in the report designer. This can be done using the context menu of the page tab. In the context menu you can also delete the current page of the report.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Globalization
The new version of the report generator provides full functionality for reports globalization. Using a special editor of the GlobalizationStrings report property, you can create international resources for your report. Then, with only one line of code before report rendering, the report can be globalized to the specified culture.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Conditions
Do you need to change the color of component by a condition? It is no longer a problem. Use the Conditions component property. Add a new condition of formatting, specify the parameters and use it!
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Exporting Reports to CSV Format
CSV (Comma Separated Value) format, used mainly for data exchange between applications. Beginning with version 2011.2 you can convert rendered reports into this format. The export process is run from the Save menu of the report viewer.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Levels of Complexity in Properties Panel
In order to reduce the number of properties in the Properties panel, you can configure it. There are three configuration modes: Basic, Standard and Professional. Depending on the type of the selected mode the number of visible properties is changed. In the Basic mode only basic properties are displayed. In the Standard mode all the properties except the most complex are visible. In the Professional - all the properties are visible.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
Reports and Page Setup Dialogs
Dialog boxes to configure report and page parameters are completely redesigned in the report designer. New dialog boxes allow you to quickly and visually change the basic parameters of the report and the current page.
Applies to: PHP, Flex, Java
PrintOnAllPages Property
The report generator is now able to work with the new property - PrintOnAllPages. This property is available in components Header and Footer Bands.