very simple crystal reports question

sorry, i know this is a very dumb question, but I cant seem to find the answer.

When using crystal reports with VB, does the data to fill the report HAVE TO come from a database? or could I use vb text boxes or anything to fill the report (I am actually going to use values from a PLC).

I dont want to go through the trouble of installing it if its not what i need.
Thanks,
Paul

sorry, i know this is a very dumb question, but I cant seem to find the answer.

When using crystal reports with VB, does the data to fill the report HAVE TO come from a database? or could I use vb text boxes or anything to fill the report (I am actually going to use values from a PLC).

I dont want to go through the trouble of installing it if its not what i need.
Thanks,
Paul

In a word, no. I use all kinds of values from any source (controls and database) by using a .ttx file as a datasource, creating a disconnected recordset, filling the recordset with values and then sending the recordset to the report. I use the CR Viewer almost exclusively and build the reports in the report designer.

so in order I create the routine to gather data, build the .ttx file using the recordset structure as a template, create a report with the .ttx as a datasource, call it from VB.

Easy and simple.

In a word, no. I use all kinds of values from any source (controls and database) by using a .ttx file as a datasource, creating a disconnected recordset, filling the recordset with values and then sending the recordset to the report. I use the CR Viewer almost exclusively and build the reports in the report designer.

so in order I create the routine to gather data, build the .ttx file using the recordset structure as a template, create a report with the .ttx as a datasource, call it from VB.

Easy and simple.

Thanks I will try that. Do you know of any way to generate a simple report with a chart besides Crystal Reports?

Other ways yes. Simple well thats relative. I use CR because I've been doing it for years. I personally find it simple but I haven't tried the .NET version yet. :eek:

You might want to check out the datareport designer in VB. Thats fairly simple but quite restrictive I think.