Generating an Excel file in ASP.NET [closed]

Question

I am about to add a section to an ASP.NET app (VB.NET codebehind) that will allow a user to get data returned to them as an Excel file, which I will generate based on database data. While there are several ways of doing this, each has its own drawbacks. How would you return the data? I'm looking for something that's as clean and straightforward as possible.

Answer 1

You can of course always go for a third party components. Personally, I have had a good experience with Spire.XLS http://www.e-iceblue.com/xls/xlsintro.htm

The component is pretty easy to use within your application:

        Workbook workbook = new Workbook();

        //Load workbook from disk.
        workbook.LoadFromFile(@"Data\EditSheetSample.xls");
        //Initailize worksheet
        Worksheet sheet = workbook.Worksheets[0];

        //Writes string
        sheet.Range["B1"].Text = "Hello,World!";
        //Writes number
        sheet.Range["B2"].NumberValue = 1234.5678;
        //Writes date
        sheet.Range["B3"].DateTimeValue = System.DateTime.Now;
        //Writes formula
        sheet.Range["B4"].Formula = "=1111*11111";

        workbook.SaveToFile("Sample.xls");

Answer 2

CSV is easiest way. Most of the time it is linked to Excel. Otherwise you have to use the automation APIs or XML format. The APIs and XML are not that hard to use.

Information about generating XML for Excel