Report Writing in a PHP Web Application
<p>I've been developing business apps, basically CRUD, in ASP.Net for years now, and am interested in learning another language and platform.</p>

<p>After a few trips to Borders and poking around a bit on the web, I have not found much dealing with generating reports in PHP.  I can imagine, at least, how to generate Excel spreadsheet files, but have not found any reference to generating professional looking reports which can be printed or saved, preferably as PDF files.  These reports would include things like commercial invoices, inventory reports etc.  </p>

<p>The quality of reports is one of the main criteria my clients use in judging the quality of an app.  ASP.NET has this covered pretty well with their own report control, plus there is Telerik, Crystal Reports, etc. </p>

<p>Can anyone provide some information of how reports are generated in a PHP web app?  Third party controls, books with good chapters, web articles etc would all be welcomed.</p>

<p>Many thanks
Mike Thomas</p>
