How should I architect JasperReports with a PHP front+backend system

Question

Our system is written completely in PHP.
For various business reasons (which are a given) I need to build the reports of the system using JasperReports.
What architecture should I use? Should I put the Jasper as a stand alone server (if possible) and let the php query against it, should I have it generate the reports with a cron, and then let the PHP scoop up the files and send them to the web client/browser...

Answer 1

JasperServer seems to be the best option, having:

Comprehensive Web Services, Java, and HTTP APIs, as well as support for Web Services from non-Java environments such as .NET (C#), C++, and PHP

Another option is to implement something like that yourself, with only the functionality you need. Make a separate java web-app that generates the reports, using either web-services or REST to communicate with it.

Answer 2

If you like to keep things simple and "free", then i recommend:

• Build your own small Java webapp.
• Use DynamicJasper to build customized reports.
• Expose a web service from the Java app, and call it from your PHP.
• Java app will reply with a PDF file.