You can connect Allegra to other systems through a web service interface. You can query, modify, and create operations through this interface. You can create and change projects, users and groups. You can use Allegra from virtually any other system. For Java and .NET you get libraries that make working with the web service interface very easy.
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Allegra has a powerful cockpit with many ready-to-use tiles. You can create your own tiles to display your data in the way that suits you best. Cockpit tiles consist of a Java class and freemarker templates for the user interface design. From simple lists to complex graphics, everything is possible here.
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Allegra uses JasperReports to generate reports. JasperReports does not directly access the Allegra database, but uses specialized data sources. comes with a range of complete data sources, but complex and specialized report templates may require new data sources. Data sources are programmed in Java.
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Webservice-Interface
Here you get libraries for Java and .NET that make it easy to work with the Allegra webservice interface.
To get started, install Groovy on your computer, download the TC client libraries and place them into <your home directory>/.groovy/lib. Then follow the instructions in the Allegra online help under "Using the TC command line client".
Cockpit Tiles
The nice thing about cockpit tiles is that most administrative functionality like placing them in the proper place on the cockpit is already taken care of by the Allegra framework. You develop your view using the cockpit development kit provided below. This will create a JAR file which you deposit into the lib directory of your Allegra application on the server. After a server restart your new view can be placed on your cockpit.
Software and Documentation
Allegra Developers Manual with CDK Tutorial
Report Data Sources
Allegra comes with a number of report templates and datasources. If you cannot create your own, special custom report using the standard datasources that come with Allegra you need to program your own. With custom datasources you can create any report conceivable.
A report consists of
- a report datasource that queries the database and returns the data in XML format.
- an optional report configuration view that permits you to select filter conditions (e.g. data from last month, or any other criteria). This view is completely customizable, you can program anything you like to make life easy for your users.
- a presentation view based on a template.
You work with Jaspersoft Studio to develop your own report templates, using existing report datasources. You can also create your own handcrafted views when you are willing to do a little programming. A report datasource provides the first two items, namely the data in XML format and optionally a configuration view. To create new report datasource types you need to know how to program in Java, using the Allegra API. To get started download the Developers Manual listed below and go to Chapter 4. Just follow the instructions there.
Software and Documentation
Developer's Manual 4.x
Javadoc API documentation