Architecture News

Modernize Your ASP.NET Core Apps with a Fluent Theme

January 9, 2024
DevExpress ASP.NET Core 23.2 adds a new Microsoft Fluent inspired web theme that includes two color schemes.

DevExpress ASP.NET Core is a powerful suite of UI components and reporting tools designed to enhance the development of modern, data-driven web applications built with ASP.NET Core. It leverages the flexibility of client-side JavaScript libraries like DevExtreme with the ease of server-side ASP.NET Core Razor syntax and Web APIs. This hybrid approach allows developers to build rich, responsive UIs with features like data grids, editors, schedulers, and charts, while maintaining the productivity and control of server-side development.

Version 23.2 introduces a new theme inspired by Microsoft's Fluent design system. This theme prioritizes accessibility, offering components with robust contrast color support. Users can choose between two distinct color schemes, Classic and Saas, and two size modes, Standard and Compact, to tailor the UI experience to their preferences. Enhancements extend beyond visuals, with the introduction of a dedicated DxFluent icon package that seamlessly integrates with the overall aesthetic. Developers can leverage the power of the ThemeBuilder tool to effortlessly customize and personalize the Fluent theme to match their specific brand identity and application demands.

To see a full list of what's new in version 23.2, see our release notes.

DevExpress ASP.NET and Blazor is licensed per developer and is available as a Perpetual License with a 12 month support and maintenance subscription. See our DevExpress ASP.NET and Blazor licensing page for full details.

DevExpress ASP.NET and Blazor is available to buy in the following products:

Create and Manage Technical Documents with DITA

January 9, 2024
Use an XML tool with DITA support to create content once and publish it to multiple formats including print, web, PDFs, and mobile apps.

DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) is a powerful XML-based standard for authoring, managing, and delivering technical information. It breaks content into reusable "topics" (think paragraphs, images, or code snippets). These building blocks are then assembled into larger structures like manuals or user guides using "maps". DITA topics can be easily reused across multiple documents, reducing redundancy and saving time. Update the relevant topic once, and it ripples across every document that uses it. Benefit from multi-format publishing to generate stunning PDFs, web-friendly HTML, and even print-ready layouts, all from a single DITA source. DITA can be customized to accommodate different industry standards and content types and is ideal for software documentation, user manuals, API references, online help and training materials.

A number of structured document tools offer DITA support including:

  • Oxygen XML Editor Professional by Syncro Soft offers advanced DITA editing support, covering DITA 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 standards, and allows users with limited knowledge of XML to edit DITA documents in a visual interface (similar to a WYSIWYG word processor).
  • Altova Authentic includes a graphical interface with a wide variety of features that make editing XML data easy for non-technical users, while maintaining the power and flexibility of structured content authoring. It seamlessly supports industry standard XML templates such as DITA and DocBook.

For an in-depth analysis of features and price, visit our Structured Document Tools comparison.

Compare Structured Document Tools

Add Easy Image Editing to Your Blazor App

January 9, 2024
Syncfusion Essential Studio Blazor 2023 Volume 4 adds a new production-ready image editor component for image manipulation and annotation.

Syncfusion Essential Studio for Blazor (available as part of Syncfusion Essential Studio Enterprise) is a comprehensive UI component library designed to accelerate the development of high-performance, modern web applications using the Blazor framework. It boasts over 85+ responsive, lightweight, and modular components spanning various categories like data visualization, data editing, document processing, and interactive UI elements. This rich repertoire empowers developers to rapidly build user-friendly, feature-rich web interfaces, all with the advantage of seamless integration with both server-side and client-side Blazor applications.

Version 2023 Volume 4 (24.1.41) introduces the production-ready Blazor Image Editor component which allows you to crop, rotate, flip, zoom, and apply filters to your images. You can also add annotations like text, freehand drawings, shapes, and even other images. The Image Editor is designed for ease of use, with a drag-and-drop interface and a customizable toolbar that lets you tailor the editing experience to your specific needs. Additionally, it supports exporting images in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and SVG, ensuring compatibility with your chosen workflow. The Blazor Image Editor is a valuable asset for any developer looking to add rich image editing capabilities to their Blazor applications.

To see a full list of what's new in version 2023 Volume 4 (24.1.41), see our release notes.

Syncfusion Essential Studio Blazor is available as part of Syncfusion Essential Studio Enterprise which is licensed per developer starting with a Team License of up to five developers. It is available as a 12 Month Timed Subscription License which includes support and maintenance. See our Syncfusion Essential Studio Enterprise licensing page for full details.

For more information, visit our Syncfusion Essential Studio Blazor product page.

Incorporate Vector-Based Graphics in Your Office Documents

January 9, 2024
DevExpress Office File API 23.2 empowers developers to embed resolution-independent SVG files into Word, Excel, and PDF documents.

The DevExpress Office File API is a powerful .NET library designed to automate work with Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PDF files without relying on any UI components. It empowers developers to programmatically create, read, edit, export, and print these crucial office files across various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and even Azure. Its feature set covers a wide range of tasks, from formatting text and inserting images in Word documents to manipulating data and generating charts in Excel workbooks, and even filling interactive forms or extracting text from PDFs. This comprehensive functionality allows developers to integrate seamless document handling directly into their applications, eliminating the need for external software and streamlining workflows.

The DevExpress Office File API 23.2 release adds SVG support, allowing you to seamlessly import, save, export (PDF), and edit your Word, Excel, and PDF documents with scalable vector graphics. It provides full control with features like resizing, moving, and aligning your SVGs.

To see a full list of what's new in version 23.2, see our release notes.

DevExpress Office File API is licensed per developer and is available as a Perpetual License with a 12 month support and maintenance subscription. See our DevExpress Office File API licensing page for full details.

DevExpress Office File API is available to buy in the following products:

Let Users Print Reports Directly from Your Apps

January 9, 2024
WPF reporting controls with printing capabilities allow users to generate paper copies for analysis, long-term archiving, and efficient distribution.

Turning data into tangible insights is critical for businesses, and reporting tools can bridge the gap with robust printing capabilities. These tools support various paper sizes, orientations, and quality settings, ensuring accurate and professional representation of reports in physical form. Additional features like printer selection and print preview streamline the process, further enhancing efficiency.

Several WPF reporting components support printing including:

  • DevExpress Reporting provides Enterprise-grade report functionality with high fidelity printing including print preview and numerous options.
  • ActiveReports.NET by MESCIUS (formerly GrapeCity) offers flexible print settings for fine-grained control over output.
  • List & Label Enterprise Reporting Edition by combit includes comprehensive printing options including direct-to-printer and batch printing.
  • FastReport WPF empowers seamless report printing across formats and printers through advanced page splitting, tiling, and scaling capabilities.

For an in-depth analysis of features and price, visit our WPF reporting comparison.

Compare WPF Reporting Components