We are delighted to announce the launch of a new version of Stimulsoft software designed for handling reports, dashboards, and PDF forms in web or standalone applications. In release 2024.3, we have added the ability to build and export reports on the server side in Python applications, as well as the ability to define export settings. We have expanded the list of supported formats for converting reports in JS, PHP, and Python components, introduced a new type of chart in reports and dashboards, and much more. Read about all the innovations in this article.

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A list of the new features in version 2024.3

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New file formats for exporting

In release 2024.3, support for various file formats when exporting reports has been expanded for JS, PHP, and Python components. Now, reports can be converted into popular data formats such as CSV, JSON, XML, DBF, DIF, and SYLK. They can also be exported to image files, including BMP, GIF, JPEG, PCX, PNG, TIFF, SVG, and SVGZ. Additionally, reports can be converted to RTF (Rich Text) files.

User Functions

We have added the ability to create user functions in the data dictionary. Functions can be described using the visual programming tool Blockly or in one of the programming languages installed as the report scripting language: JS, C#, or VB.NET. These functions can be used in both reports and dashboards.

Export settings support for Python

In the new release, we have added the ability to define the necessary export settings for the Reports.PYTHON and Dashboards.PYTHON products. The new settings classes work for both client-side and server-side exports and are also available in export events.

Heatmap Chart

In release 2024.3, a new type of chart, the Heatmap, was added for data analysis and visualization. This type of chart can be used to simplify the analysis and interpretation of data volumes, providing the ability to identify patterns and trends.

Fixed Height Property

The ability to change the height of the Combo Box, Tree View Box, and Date Picker elements on the dashboard has been added. Previously, these elements had a fixed height that could not be adjusted. Now, depending on the value of the Fixed Height property, these elements can either retain their original behavior if the property is set to True, or allow height adjustments if the property is set to False.

Default Format of Saving

In this release, you now have the ability to specify the file format for newly created reports when saving them. You can set the file format by accessing the Default Save Format option on the Saving tab within the Options menu of the report designer.

Data Bars appearance

In this release, we have expanded the design capabilities of graphic elements for Data Bar conditions in reports. You can now round the edges of data bars, specify padding, and define the interaction between the data bar and the content within this component as either Overlay or Inside.

Region Map Localization

In the Region Map component for dashboards, you can now select the native localization of map segments for China, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland in manual data entry mode. The localization of map segments is determined by the Language parameter in the component editor.

Dictionary Synchronize

In the report designer, a new feature has been added to define the behavior of data source synchronization when opening a report. This option you may find in the data dictionary control panel settings and can be set to one of the following values:

• None. Synchronization is not performed;
• If Dictionary Is Empty;
• Always. Synchronization is performed every time the report is opened.

Events Access in JS

The Events Access option has been introduced in the JS report designer. This feature allows you to define the behavior when executing code in report events, offering an opportunity to enhance security when opening reports with various event scenarios. You can configure this option on the Main tab within the Options menu of the report designer.

New methods

Release 2024.3.1 also introduces two new methods: MergeDocument() and FindByName(). The MergeDocument() method is designed to merge multiple built reports, while the FindByName() method is used to search for elements within a report. You can find more information about the MergeDocument() method here.