Create Excel file with Pivot table from a web page button

Question

I would like to create an excel file on clicking a button on a web page created in .NET. This excel file would have multiple pivot tables. Please let me know if there is a way to create the excel file on button click and if it really necessary to save the file to create the pivot tables. I have created excel file with pivot table on a console application but have not done that in a web application.can the file be created without actually saving the file and giving the user the flexibility to Save/Open it?

Thanks,

Answer 1

Since you shouldn't install Excel on a server, your best option would be to create and/or manipulate an Excel file using http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Open_XML , which is the documented XLSX format.You can use the Open XML SDK 2.0 for Microsoft Office to make your life easier.

Once the Excel file has been created/manipulated you can either save it to a temporary location on the server, then return the file via request, and delete the file. This is assuming you use IIS and either WebForms or MVC.