report creation in VB from scratch?

[DeafBug]

I have read partial stuff here and there outside of this forum but then I searched in this forum. I am getting some ideas but not the full picture.

I want to be able to create a report from scratch or modify a template report. If modifying a report, I want the ability to create new fields and texts as well as sorting and grouping features. All this within VB6, eventually it will VB.NET but that is not for a few years.

I understand it is a time consuming project but we need it. I have a separate executable that displays over 60 reports based on the selection criteria the user selects. Each report is designed for one purpose but the user selects the date range, customers, etc. and can pick preference for sorting, grouping, etc. While that is not enough to our clients. We need to take the next step up.

That is where report creation comes in. While I have looked but not getting the full picture, is it possible to create a report within VB and display the results in CRViewer or print them?

If so, can you point me to the right direction including sample files for CR11, We have CR10 Developer edition.

Are there any limitations that I need to know or is the sky the limit?

I intend to create a separate executable and allow the user to select the fields for various tables. Then create a simple stored procedure for it. Query it. Use the result data recordset to populate the report. They can view or print it.

We want to be able to keep things in mind like the field layout. The width of some data fields will cause cutoff or require a second detail line. If the user can modify the field layout prior to displaying it, then I have no problems with it.

And finally, what kind of license issue are we looking at? We have to consider cost for our clients.

I am willing to download the bigger application like the Advanced Enterprised edition evaluation if the CR10 Developer edition I have doesn't support it. We can use VirtualPC with Windows2000, VB6 and CR installed so I can play with it.

Thanks for your help.

 

[synapsevampire]

Here's an example:

http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2007205.asp

Here's the licensing:

http://www.crystaldecisions.com/products/crystalreports/license.

Here's the VB sample apps, with a RCAPI example (scr8_vb_rcapi_graph.exe):

http://support.businessobjects.com/communityCS/TechnicalPapers/apps_rdc.pdf

-k

 

[DeafBug]

I looked that the licensing link. I saw this

"Licensing conditions for integrating reporting components into thick-client applications

Developers can integrate 750+ royalty-free report viewing, printing, and modification APIs into thick-client applications and deploy or redistribute these applications at no extra cost."

Does that mean the RCAPI is included or not? I know it obviously not in CR10 as I tried one of the same programs that you provided. I referenced to a RCAPI but then a license warning dialog appeared.

Thanks for that VB sample link, seems there are lots of samples that I could do with. I will be busy for quite sometime. Hopefully reasonable achieved in 30 days.

Any good books or online instructions on RCAPI?

Thanks.