Using the Excel Object

[jsteph]

Hi all,
Can anyone tell me what the general consensus is regarding using an Excel object in ASP.Net code? I have used it before in instances where the IIS server was dedicated to the specific app that produced Excel files for a small client load.

However I know there are various security and resource issues when .Net code on an IIS box is calling the Excel app and creating Excel files, and I have an app that will be on a more heavily used IIS box that will need to produce many Excel files for many users.

So the basic question is--when I have a web application with a requirement to produce and Excel file to be returned to the web client (either via download or opening the .xls from the server in a new tab), what are the best-practices for doing so?

I had considered creating .csv files instead, but the requirements include embedding functions and formatting so a .csv is not feasible.

Thanks,
--Jim

 

[jsteph]

Ok so I'll answer my own question...
I don't know what the 'best practice' is, only that it is not to use the MS Excel interop object in IIS server code. JetCell and Aspose are two tools that I have heard anecdotal evidence that they will do some form of Excel manipulation, but I don't know how thorough either is. I emailed Jecell and posed several questions that I needed answered prior to me plunking down cash on their product and they ignored the email. Aspose sent a demo cd with MSDN magazine, but it was severe crippleware and I couldn't verify its usefullness.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has any real-world experience in doing complex Excel creation and manipulation from asp.net code on an IIS server, eg, dynamically creating modules, formulas, doing Finds, etc.--not just easy stuff like splatting data into sheets.
Thanks for any info,
--Jim

 

[ralphtrent]

for any Excel 2007 or greater file creation I use EPPlus. Its great and easy to your. here is a link to it:

http://epplus.codeplex.com/

 

[jsteph]

Ralph,
Thanks very much! I will try that out, everything I've used from codeplex has been very good so this is promising.
-Jim