Installing BIRT as an Running Application

Hi All,

I have just started using BIRT and also developed some sample reports using the same, and java API.
Now I am trying to configure as an application. In respect to this I have the following query

1. In each report, while designing, I have to provide the data set and also the query. So is there any way by which I can pass the connection from the Java Code so that it;s not hardcoded with the .rptdesign file?
Also I don't want the SQL query to be part of the .rptDesign, can I also pass in SQL query at run time, as an whole?

2. I am using spring framework so is there any link or documentation which can guide me on the same?

Note:
a) I am not using spring-mvc. As these are all batch reports, just need to generate the report and place it in a directory

I am developing report as follows
(i) Create the design and take the .rptdesign file
(ii)Use the Java Code (API) to generate report from the .rptdesign file

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Comments

johnw

1) Yes, you can use the Property Binding tab in both cases. If you look at your Data Source and Data Sets, there are property binding tabs where you can override the connection URL and Query text.

2) There is an article here on the BIRT Exchange about using Spring. Do a search in the Dev Share.

John

Gaganckc

thanks a lot ...
I have looked at a spring article and I hope I can work on that...let me try that first

Also regarding the data source and SQL Query....
a) What are the changes I have to do in the Reports...I mean in the design..as when I erased the SQL query from my design file..It gave me error.

Do we have some resource which can explain the process of not BINDING the database and sql information with the rptdesign file.

johnw

You need some sort of SQL query in your data set, otherwise it will error out. By using the Property Binding tab, you are overriding what is in the SQL text. you can also override the queryText property using the open event handler.

In regards to the second, if you don't want the database information in your report design, look at using either Connection Profiles or JNDI in your Tomcat instance.

John

Gaganckc

Many thanks John.
I will try this option and update you on step 1.

However in case of connection, I am not using any application Server, it's a spring based (Only using the Dependency Injection), so in this case how can I acheive the same (i.e. Pass the connection which is to be used for fetching the data at RUNTIME)

johnw

If your integrating your BIRT engine in a Spring app, pass it in as an application property to the IRunTask or IRunAndRender task using the Application Context proeprty, then retrieve it using script by reportContext.getApplicationContext, or something to that effect. You could also use report parmaeters.

John

Gaganckc

Hi John,

I was able to do the same, this is what I did.
1. Created 4 parameter in the report design
a) SQL Query
b)Connection CLass
c) Connection URL
d) User name
e) Password

After this in the report design itself I used the binding property for the same. (Data Source and SQl )

Then I passed the va;ues of the 5 parameters from my Java Code in a hashmap and it worked as expected.

Now my second worry is about getting the TXT form of report from the BIRT.
I used the CSV plugin code and generated the TXT Emmitter, but the problem is with the formatting.
The Data is the TXT file generated is not proper formatted. Can someone help me in this aspect?
If needed I can atatch the souce also.

johnw

Yes, please attach the source. Ill take a look.

Gaganckc

hi
please find the sources attached

Gaganckc

Hi All
It would be of great help if peoples can suggest the code change for getting the output in the TXT format in the attached file.
This would help us get an extra feather in the CAP of BIRT,...i.e getting reports in TXT format.

Gaganckc

HI All
Request you all to please help us in the same.

johnw

I'm sorry, I haven't forgotten this request. I will look into it as soon as I have a chance.

Gaganckc

Thanks John
Will wait for your response.