Earlier in the book, in the chapters about integrating reports for Windows and Web-based applications (Chapters 3 and 4), we looked at the different object models that were available and in turn, covered both of the object models for working with Windows and Web-based applications.
You may remember that there is actually a third object model that can be used, providing almost full control over the report itself and its contents. This object model, contained within the CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine namespace, is used in conjunction with the viewer object models and provides a powerful method to customize your report at run time.
In this chapter, we will be looking at the Crystal Reports engine, the functionality it provides, and some of the advanced integration techniques that you can use in your own application.
These will include:
Crystal Reports Engine overview
Printing and exporting
Working with databases
Formatting areas, sections, and fields
Working with parameter fields
Customizing formulas
Working with other report components
At the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify when to use the Crystal Reports Engine namespace, know how to integrate it into your application, and understand how the features contained within can be used to customize reports within your application, using the properties, methods, and events associated with the engine.