VCL Backend
- 2 minutes to read
This section describes data sources and auxiliary APIs of the ASP.NET Core-based VCL backend service used by our ExpressReports and ExpressDashboards Suites. With this hybrid implementation, reports and dashboards can be created, designed, and previewed within native VCL apps (both Delphi and C++Builder).
For detailed information regarding the hybrid ASP.NET Core-based VCL architecture, review this FAQ and VCL backend source code. To review source code locally:
- Download our Unified Component Installer (.NET/JS).
- Log in using your DevExpress account (requires an existing active VCL Subscription within the Universal Subscription or our new VCL Subscription+).
- Select Reporting for ASP.NET and Source Code options.
Navigate to the following local folder:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\DevExpress Demos 25.2\Components\CS\DevExpress.VCL.AspNetCore.Backend\
DevExpress VCL Backend Components
- TdxBackendDataConnectionManager
An auxiliary component designed to manage data connection components (available as sources for TdxDashboardControl and TdxReport components).
You can create data connection components directly in code, without TdxBackendDataConnectionManager (if required). Refer to data connection class descriptions for detailed information and code examples.
Data Connection Components and Data Sources
- TdxBackendInMemoryJSONConnection
- A component designed for interaction with data stored in memory (in the JSON format).
- TdxBackendDataSetJSONConnection
A component designed to work with data in one or multiple VCL-compatible datasets (TDataSet descendants).
Use the TdxBackendDataSetJSONConnection component if you need to use Web-based TdxDashboardControl and TdxReport components together with VCL-compatible data sources.
- TdxBackendDatabaseSQLConnection
A DevExpress XPO-based component designed to fetch data from an SQL database (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.).
Tip
This component is based on the DevExpress XPO ORM engine (powered by ADO.NET). [TdxBackendDatabaseSQLConnection] has built-in support for Microsoft SQL/Azure SQL and SQLite engines (you can use them without additional dependencies and extra configuration).
Refer to the following topic for a complete list of supported database engines and corresponding connection string examples: VCL Backend: Supported Database Engines.
Related Compiled Demos
To see TdxDashboardControl and TdxReport components in action, run BI Dashboards Designer/Viewer and Report Designer/Viewer demos in the VCL Demo Center installed with compiled VCL DevExpress demos. Click different items in the sidebar on the left to switch between demo features.
Tip
You can find full source code for installed compiled Report and Dashboard demos in the following folders:
- %PUBLIC%\Documents\DevExpress VCL Demos\MegaDemos\Product Demos\ExpressReports\
- %PUBLIC%\Documents\DevExpress VCL Demos\MegaDemos\Product Demos\ExpressDashboards\