Programmability


This feature provides endless possibilities for developers to extend SSRS. For example, developers can script administrative functionality, execute a report asynchronously [1] (using BeginRender and EndRender functions) within their code, and more. Table 2.2 provides a summary of programmable features in SSRS.

[1] Asynchronous execution can be also accomplished within a custom extension. Additional asynchronous options are to schedule a snapshot or to subscribe to a report.

Table 2.2. Reporting Services Programmability and Extensibility Features

ProgrammableFunctionality

Notes

Language

Custom embedded code

A code is embedded as a part of the report definition file and compiled together with the container report. Many errors are caught by the compiler when a reporting solution is built. Although embedded code allows a developer to use full object-oriented functionality of VB.NET, embedded code is mostly used for simple logic. Developing complex embedded code is possible, but not usually done due to limited debugging facilities and limited functionality of the embedded code editor. The embedded code editor is a simple text box that does not have advanced features, such as code completion, which is available in Visual Studio.

VB.NET

Custom assembly

A .NET assembly, which can be written in any .NET language and can be called from a report. Visual Studio .NET is the most popular tool for .NET development and provides full debugging capacities for .NET assemblies. Custom assemblies can be used for complex logic and, for example, in cases when access to a file I/O or database is needed.

Any .NET language: VB.NET, C#, and so on

Reporting Services web service/SOAP API

The programmatic interfaces that provide an entry point to the complete functionality of SSRS. Reporting Services web service can be called from .NET or SOAP-enabled applications and provides access to full Reporting Services functionality, including rendering, report management, report and folder browsing, and report deployment. Mainly used to incorporate report processing or management in custom web or Windows applications.

Can be used from any .NET or SOAP-enabled application

SSRS scripts (rs.exe utility)

The utility that provides access to Reporting Services web service by executing VB.NET scripts. Scripting allows a developer to use full object-oriented functionality of VB.NET and is mainly used to automate SSRS' management.

VB.NET

URL Access

The tool that provides access to various features of Reporting Services through a parameterized URL string. Designed to retrieve rendered output, URL Access can be used with GET and POST methods and can be integrated in a web portal "as is" or as a source for a frame. URL Access can also be incorporated in a Windows or a webapplication using WebBrowser control.

HTML/URL

Report Definition Language (RDL)

The language that is an open and extensible XML-based language that describes a report. Developers can write tools to customize RDL files, for example tools similar to the Report Designer. In addition, developers can add support for elements or features that are not present in the existing RDL schema, and then build custom tools and report-rendering extensions to handle new functionality.

RDL (XML)

Reporting Services extensions

The appropriate hooks to enable developers to extend SSRS' functionality and write custom extensions. For example, delivery ( cell phones, pagers , other applications), data processing, rendering, report processing, and security (security extensions are not available in Express edition) can be extended with new extensions.

Any .NET language: VB.NET, C#, and so on

WMI interfaces (manage SSRS configuration)

The interface used to manage Report Server Windows service configuration.

Can be used from any .NET application

Report Viewer control NEW in 2005

The Web and Windows controls that make it easier to integrate reporting functionality into applications. Report Viewer can view server and local reports. Local reports rendered by the Report Viewer control do not require access to SSRS.

Can be used from any .NET language application

 

In Reporting Services 2000 (as well as 2005), developers can use the WebBrowser control to embed reports in an application. WebBrowser is a simple HTML viewer and does not have advanced capabilities of Report Viewer, such as an ability to render reports.

 

RSPrintClient NEW in 2005

The control that presents the Print dialog box for a user to initiate a print job, preview a report, specify pages to print, and change the margins. Developers can use this control in the code to enable report printing functionality.

Can be used from any .NET language application

SharePoint Web Parts (Viewer and Explorer)

Similar to report controls, the control that assists integration with SharePoint Portal applications. Web Parts had shipped with Reporting Services 2000 SP2. SSRS 2005 is the first version that includes it in the initial install.

SharePoint serves as a container

Expressions

A combination of variables , constants, functions, and operators that evaluate to a single data value. Simple expressions can be a constant, variable, column, or scalar function. Complex expressions are one or more simple expressions connected by operators. Most properties of the report take expressions. Expressions use VB.NET syntax and are technically very similar to Excel formulas. Expressions use Visual Basic runtime functions, most identical to functions used in Excel, such as IIF .

VB.NET

Custom report items NEW in 2005

The server controls that extend report processing. Custom report items can be data bound and use familiar SSRS VB.NET, functionality, such as expressions, grouping, sorting, and filtering. Custom report items can have its custom user interface and properties. Developers can add custom report items to a Report Designer toolbox. SSRS provides an infrastructure to support custom report items.

Any .NET language: C#, and so on


More detailed discussion about each of the programmability features is available in Chapters22, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , through 28.



Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services
ISBN: 0672327996
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 254

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