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FastReport Open Source VS Crystal Reports

Compare FastReport Open Source VS Crystal Reports and see what are their differences

FastReport Open Source logo FastReport Open Source

FastReport provides open source report generator for .NET Core 2.x/.Net Framework 4.x.

Crystal Reports logo Crystal Reports

Save up to 25% when you buy or upgrade. Discover SAP Crystal Reports to take control of complex data and monitor business performance to achieve results.
  • FastReport Open Source Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22
  • Crystal Reports Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

FastReport Open Source features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    FastReport Open Source is available for free, allowing developers to use, modify, and distribute the software without any licensing fees. Its code is open for contributions and modifications.
  • Customizability
    Since it’s open source, developers can modify the source code to better fit their needs, whether for personal use or specific project requirements.
  • Cross-Platform
    FastReport Open Source supports multiple platforms, enabling developers to create reports across different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Community Support
    The open-source nature attracts a community of developers who can provide support, share knowledge, and collaborate on solving issues or developing new features.
  • Integration Capabilities
    It provides APIs that make it easier to integrate report generation into various applications, extending its functionality and usability.

Possible disadvantages of FastReport Open Source

  • Limited Features Compared to Paid Versions
    The open-source version may have fewer features compared to commercial versions, which may limit its use for more advanced reporting needs.
  • Learning Curve
    Developers might face a learning curve when getting accustomed to the software, especially if they are unfamiliar with its structure or reporting concepts.
  • Less Comprehensive Documentation
    Documentation for open-source projects can sometimes be less comprehensive or less frequently updated than commercial software, making it challenging to utilize all features effectively.
  • Potential for Bugs
    As with many open-source projects, there is a risk that not all bugs are immediately addressed, which can lead to stability and performance issues.
  • Dependency Management
    Being an open-source project, it may rely on various dependencies that need to be managed and can sometimes create compatibility issues.

Crystal Reports features and specs

  • Versatility
    Crystal Reports can connect to multiple data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and cloud-based applications, making it highly versatile.
  • Extensive Formatting Options
    It offers a wide range of formatting options, allowing users to create highly customized and polished reports.
  • Comprehensive Data Analysis
    Crystal Reports provides advanced data analysis features such as grouping, sorting, and filtering, which facilitate detailed and comprehensive data analysis.
  • Integration
    The tool integrates well with various applications, including SAP and Microsoft environments, enhancing its functionality within existing workflows.
  • Export Capabilities
    Crystal Reports supports diverse export options, enabling users to convert reports into different formats like PDF, Excel, and Word.

Possible disadvantages of Crystal Reports

  • Cost
    Crystal Reports is relatively costly, which could be a barrier for small businesses or individual users.
  • Learning Curve
    The software has a steep learning curve due to its complex functionalities and extensive features, making it challenging for new users.
  • Performance Issues
    Generating large reports can sometimes lead to performance issues, such as slow processing times and increased resource consumption.
  • Limited Real-Time Reporting
    Crystal Reports is not optimal for real-time reporting, which may not meet the needs of users requiring live data updates.
  • Dependency on Other Software
    The functionality of Crystal Reports often depends on the compatibility and performance of associated software, such as databases and operating systems.

FastReport Open Source videos

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Crystal Reports videos

Crystal Reports 101

More videos:

  • Review - SAP Crystal Reports 2016: Nine Features Every User Should Know
  • Tutorial - Crystal Report Beginner Training Tutorial 2017 - An Introduction To SAP Crystal Reports

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FastReport Open Source and Crystal Reports)
Data Dashboard
36 36%
64% 64
Business Intelligence
33 33%
67% 67
Data Visualization
37 37%
63% 63
Analytics Dashboard
50 50%
50% 50

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