How to generate a HTML report?

Vietnow · 12 Jan 2012 at 00:05

Hello,

We have some software that produces various logs, mostly in text files, INI files, and some pictures.

Ideally I would like some program to extract certain results from these files and save in to a professional looking html report template but I have no idea where to start.

I would be able to have all the results gathered in to a single .INI file so it really only needs to be able to extract from a single source initially.

The results have 3 outcomes (Pass,Warning,Fail) and a short (~40 characters) explanation.

I currently do not know any programming languages but would be willing to learn one to complete this task.

Would it be best to create a program in something like VB or C++ that saves in to the HTML file, or creating a website using PHP that extracts the data from the .INI file?

Many thanks

GravyMonster · 12 Jan 2012 at 08:52

I think a C# console app would be perfect for this. Plus it's a good project to learn with IMO.

Vietnow · 18 Jan 2012 at 14:11

I will start looking in to C# and see if I can make some progress.

Has anyone else done a similar thing if so any tips?

Here is a mock up of what i would like the end result to look like:

http://imageshack.us/f/4/mockuppage001.jpg/

Many thanks

gord · 18 Jan 2012 at 16:15

If you don't have a requirement for it being offline I'd be tempted to do it via a php web app. Build a simple file uploader that only takes .ini files, throw your ini at it from wherever you are and it will interpret and format it into a html template. Save page as. Done.

Vietnow · 18 Jan 2012 at 19:51

What tools would you recommend for building such a thing?

I have installed a local apache server and installed PHP. Any suggestions what to use for coding the html template?

Thanks

gord · 19 Jan 2012 at 09:09

The only tool you need is notepad++ or any other text editing programme.

You do need to understand HTML, CSS and PHP though.. if you aren't familiar with those then www.tizag.com