Before using the Crystal Report Engine in your application
Before you add the Crystal Report Engine to your application, you should be familiar with some key features of the Crystal Report Engine. Review the following points, and make sure you understand each before attempting to make calls to the Crystal Report Engine from your application.
- The Crystal Report Engine outputs existing reports. You cannot create report files using the functionality of the Crystal Report Engine. Reports must be created using the Crystal Reports application described in the Crystal Reports User's Guide. Make sure you understand the report creation process before trying to print reports with the Crystal Report Engine.
Note: Visual Basic programmers can use the Active Data Driver, along with the Crystal Report Engine API or the Crystal Report Engine Automation Server to create reports dynamically at runtime. For more information, refer to Active Data.
- The Crystal Report Engine provides a convenient add-on to your existing application development project. With just a few lines of code, you can produce a powerful report writing and distribution tool that would take thousands of lines of code and weeks to produce otherwise.
- The Crystal Report Engine does not require the use of a fixed user interface. The Crystal Report Engine is designed to work with your existing development project and allows you to define the user interface your customers and users are familiar with and expect from your application.