B4J Tutorial [Web][SithasoDaisy5] Automated Excel Report Templates Generation with Low-Code Generator

Hi Fam!

In our latest tutorial video, we take the next big step in streamlining report generation for B4X Web applications — automatically generating Excel report templates using our low-code source generator tool (now updated to v1.1.10).



🎯 Recap: What We Built Before​

In the previous video, we created a ReportManager class that takes:
  • Sheet name
  • Template file
  • Report output name
  • JSON data records
…and dynamically populates an Excel report based on mapped column definitions. This allowed us to generate beautifully formatted reports — complete with images and custom layouts — all driven by structured data.

Here was that tutorial.



But manually designing and updating those Excel templates? That’s time-consuming and error-prone — especially when you need multiple variations or updates.

✨ The Big Leap: Auto-Generated Excel Report Templates​

The goal of this video is to eliminate manual template creation by leveraging metadata from your database tables.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Database-First Approach:
    Using our low-code tool, we define tables (like “Products”) with fields, types, and even fake data for previewing.
  2. Template Generation Button:
    A new feature — “Generate Excel Report Template” — scans your table’s columns and auto-generates an Excel file where:
    • Each field maps to a column (Name → Column A, SKU → Column B, etc.)
    • Columns marked as “None” (e.g., internal IDs) are excluded.
    • No formatting applied — just clean structure ready for customization.
  3. Customize Freely:
    Once generated, you can open the Excel file and dress it up — add logos, adjust colors, merge cells, insert charts — anything Excel allows. The structure is yours to mold.
  4. Auto-Generated Source Code:
    The tool also generates a ready-to-use B4X code for your Application.
  5. UI Integration:
    An “Export Excel Report” button will be able on your App which when linked to your code will generate an Excel Report from your data.

🧩 Why This Matters​

This approach drastically reduces repetitive work:
✅ Define table → ✅ Generate template → ✅ Customize design → ✅ Auto-generate export code
No more hand-coding cell mappings or manually syncing templates with schema changes.


🔮 What’s Next?​

We’re wrapping up the core CRUD + Reporting pipeline. In the next video, we’ll:
  • Generate the full Inventory app
  • Test it with WebSQL or IndexedDB
  • Show deployment/publishing
And yes — charting is coming too! SithasoDaisy5 has built in components to support your Charting needs.


💡 Final Thoughts​

This low-code generator isn’t about replacing developers — it’s about freeing you from boilerplate so you can focus on complex logic, UX polish, and unique features (like real-time charts, dashboards, or integrations).

Whether you’re building an inventory system, CRM, or internal tools — automating reports with customizable Excel templates is now a breeze.


📌 Try it outAccess v1.1.10 online, generate your first app following a Database First Approach, and let us know how it goes below!

Ciao for now — happy coding! 🚀
 
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