Tag: openoffice

Alternative of PHP Excel for Excel Reading and Writing

Explore modern, efficient PHP libraries to read and write Excel files as alternatives to the deprecated PHP_Excel. Supports .xls, .xlsx, CSV, and more.

Working with Excel files is a common requirement in many PHP applications, especially for tasks like data import/export, reporting, and analysis. In the past, the go-to library for handling Excel files was PHPExcel, but it has since been deprecated and replaced by more efficient and actively maintained alternatives.

Whether you’re looking to read data from .xls or .xlsx files, write spreadsheet data, or handle both tasks seamlessly, this guide explores a wide range of libraries that offer reliable and modern solutions for Excel file manipulation.

Writing Excel using PHP

Reading Excel

Reading and Writing Excel

  • Ilia Alshanetsky’s Excel extension now on github (xls and xlsx, and requires business libXL segment)
  • spout OfficeOpenXML (xlsx) and CSV
  • PHP’s COM extension (requires a COM empowered spreadsheet program, for example, MS Excel or OpenOffice Calc running on the server)
  • SimpleExcel Claims to read and compose MS Excel XML/CSV/TSV/HTML/JSON/and so forth arranges

Another C++ Excel expansion for PHP, however you’ll have to manufacture it yourself, and the docs are really meager with regards to attempting to discover what usefulness (I can’t discover from the site what groups it bolsters, or whether it peruses or composes or both…. I’m speculating both) it offers is phpexcellib from SIMITGROUP.

All case to be quicker than PHPExcel from codeplex or from github, however (except for COM, PUNO Ilia’s wrapper around libXl and spout) they don’t offer both perusing and composing, or both xls and xlsx; might never again be upheld; and (while I haven’t tried Ilia’s expansion) just COM and PUNO offers the same level of control over the made exercise manual.

Source: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/3930975/alternative-for-php-excel

Pencil Project – An Open Source GUI Prototyping Tool

Explore Pencil Project, a free and open-source GUI prototyping tool. Learn about its features, advantages, and how it helps in UI/UX design workflows.

Designing user interfaces and wireframes is a crucial step in application development. Whether you’re creating a website, mobile app, or desktop software, having a clear visual structure helps streamline communication between designers, developers, and stakeholders. If you’re looking for a free tool to bring your ideas to life quickly, Pencil Project is an excellent choice.

What is Pencil Project?

Pencil Project is a free and open-source GUI prototyping tool that allows you to create wireframes and mockups for various platforms. It’s cross-platform, meaning it works on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Designed to be user-friendly and lightweight, it is a favorite among beginners and professionals who need a simple yet powerful tool for UI/UX design.

Key Features

1. Built-in Collection of Shapes

Pencil comes with a wide range of built-in UI elements including:

  • Web and desktop UI components
  • Android and iOS UI stencils
  • Flowchart elements and shapes

These shape collections make it easy to create mockups that are platform-specific and visually consistent.

2. Easy Diagramming

With drag-and-drop functionality, creating flowcharts, wireframes, and diagrams is straightforward. The interface is intuitive, and even users with no design background can start prototyping quickly.

3. Multiple Export Options

Pencil allows you to export your designs to different formats such as:

  • PNG images
  • PDF documents
  • Web pages (HTML)
  • OpenOffice documents

This flexibility is useful for presentations, documentation, or sharing designs with clients and developers.

4. Supports Templates and Add-ons

You can extend Pencil’s capabilities by installing templates and shape collections available from the community. Custom templates let you reuse design patterns and maintain consistency across projects.

5. Open Source and Free

One of the biggest advantages of Pencil Project is that it’s completely free and open-source. There are no licensing fees or hidden costs, making it ideal for startups, students, and hobbyists.

Use Cases

  • Wireframing websites and apps
    Quickly sketch layouts before development starts.
  • Designing user flows
    Map out the flow of screens to visualize how users interact with your application.
  • Creating software documentation
    Use diagrams to make your documentation clearer and more engaging.
  • Collaborating with teams
    Share mockups and get feedback early in the design process.

How to Get Started

You can download the latest version of Pencil Project from its official GitHub page:
🔗 https://github.com/evolus/pencil

The installation process is simple, and you can start prototyping within minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a lightweight, free, and powerful GUI prototyping tool, Pencil Project is worth trying. It’s a great tool for creating mockups, wireframes, and UI designs without the complexity or cost of commercial software like Adobe XD or Sketch. Whether you’re a student learning UX design or a developer wanting to prototype an idea quickly, Pencil offers all the essentials.