BIRT supplies several APIs and an Example Java EE application for generating and viewing reports. The major APIs are the Design Engine API(DE API), Report Engine API(RE API) and the Chart Engine API (CE API). These pages describe the various APIs and illustrate examples on their usage. In addition to the APIs, BIRT supports scripting using Rhino within report designs. A primer is available to get started scripting.
The BIRT Viewer can be used in a variety of ways:
Note that the BIRT Viewer requires that cookies be enabled.
Use the Design Engine API (DE API) to create a custom report designer tool, or to explore or modify BIRT report designs. The BIRT Designer is built using this API. This API can also be called within BIRT script to modify the currently running report.
Use the Design Engine API (DE API) to create a custom report designer tool, or to explore or modify BIRT report designs. The BIRT Designer is built using this API. This API can also be called within BIRT script to modify the currently running report.
Use the Chart Engine API to create and render charts apart from BIRT. Several examples can be found on the BIRT Developer Center.
BIRT uses Mozilla's Rhino engine to perform server side scripting. Scripting is used in BIRT expressions and at key events during the generation and presentation phases of report creation.
Your application can extend BIRT for your specific needs: