Backend for VCL Reports/Dashboards
- 3 minutes to read
This section describes data sources and auxiliary APIs of the backend service used by our ExpressReports and ExpressDashboards Suites. The hybrid ASP.NET Core / VCL implementation allows you to create, design, and preview reports and dashboards within native VCL apps (Delphi and C++Builder RAD Studio projects).
For detailed information about hybrid ASP.NET Core-based VCL architecture, review this FAQ and our VCL backend source code. To review source code locally:
- Download our Unified Component Installer (.NET/JS).
- Run the installer and enter your DevExpress account credentials. (Your account must include active VCL and Universal Subscriptions or VCL Subscription+).
- Select Reporting for ASP.NET and Source Code options.
Complete the installation wizard and navigate to the following local folder:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\DevExpress Demos 25.2\Components\CS\DevExpress.VCL.AspNetCore.Backend\
Prerequisites & Deployment
Ensure that your development environment meets ExpressDashboards and ExpressReports prerequisites:
- Microsoft Windows 10 or newer.
- Embarcadero RAD Studio IDE 12.3 or newer (Community Edition IDEs are not supported).
- DevExpress VCL v25.2.x. (You must own a VCL Subscription+ license or DevExpress VCL and Universal licenses).
- The EdgeView2 SDK package installed from the GetIt package manager.
Tip
Refer to the following help topic for detailed information: VCL Reports/Dashboards App Deployment.
DevExpress VCL Database Connection Management Components
- TdxBackendDataConnectionManager
An auxiliary component designed to manage data connection components (available as sources for TdxDashboard/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 local (in-memory) or remote JSON data accessible through a Web API service endpoint.
Refer to the following help topic for step-by-step instructions on using the TdxBackendInMemoryJSONConnection component as a data source for TdxDashboard/TdxDashboardControl and TdxReport.
- 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 TdxDashboardControl/TdxDashboard and TdxReport components together with VCL-compatible data sources.
- TdxBackendDatabaseSQLConnection
A DevExpress XPO-based component designed to fetch data from the following relational databases:
SQLite | Microsoft SQL Server/Azure SQL | PostgreSQL | Oracle Database | MySQL | Firebird
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 DevExpress VCL 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\