I come from a UNIX background where most reports are spooled to a
dot-matrix printer using pre-printed stationery. I am currently writing my first Windows Forms C# application and need to write reports which will be sent to a laser printer and which require the formatting to be done programmatically as there will be no pre-printed stationery. I am referring to reports such as statements and invoices which require numerous tables and images etc.
My question is which is the best way to write such reports? Should I use a report writer such as Crystal Reports? Can I use a Microsoft Word Picture as a background and populate text boxes within the picture, or XML and stylesheets?
I really have no idea which route to pursue and would really appreciate some advise.
Much thanks