Steps for Successful Installation of Jaspersoft and Creating Reports
Installation of any software can hit a snag. There can be countless hours of productivity lost trying to install and manage enterprise software. We have compiled a few steps that you can take to achieve a smooth installation, deployment, and configuration of Jaspersoft’s JasperReports Server as well as the Studio applications. There are numerous OS, Application Servers, and DB Servers for JasperReports and Studio, and these applications can be configured in countless ways. The purpose here is to install and configure them as quickly as possible and, in the meantime, making them enterprise-ready.
Clean VM or Server
Whether you are installing JasperReportServer on a server or a virtualized environment, it is recommended to install them in a clean instance. Installing the server with additional unnecessary resources might create a performance or resource conflict. JasperReportServer Installer supports Runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX (32 or 64 bit).
Install Java (JDK, JRE)
It is a requirement to install Java before installing JasperReportServer. The application might install successfully; however, it will not launch.
Use Bundled Application Server (Tomcat)
Even though JasperReportsServer supports various app servers, it is recommended to use the existing bundled Tomcat. Since the QA of the application is already performed this is one less headache you have to deal with.
Use Bundled Repository Database
JasperReportsServer comes with bundled Postgres DB, and it is very easy to configure the software in another database repository by modifying default_master.properties file. If you do not have a software or DB ecosystem in place it’s easy just to use the bundled DB.
Install Jasper Studio
Jasper Studio is a desktop application that is used to design a pixel-perfect report. You can use this application to create great reports and manage them as well. You can configure the Studio to connect to JasperReportServer as well as the multiple data sources.
Install Drivers for the Database You Are Connecting To
JasperReportsServer and Studio may or may not come with the drivers that are required for report and dashboard creation. In this case, you will have to install your DB drivers to make a successful connection.
Verify Return of SQL Query
You must make sure you verify the SQL query is returning accurate information. Once the data source is created and you have the DB you want to connect to, make sure the SQL statements are correct and return the desired dataset.
Verify Class for Variables and Parameters
As part of the report creation, you might have to create some Parameters and Variables. If you do, make sure they are in the right class. If they are not, you will run into a compilation error.
Java or Groovy
Software Architecture of JasperReports by default, the library supports two additional languages: Groovy and JavaScript.
Again, Jaspersoft supports the various OS, Application Servers, and DB Applications used in everyday enterprises, making it an optimal choice for a Business Intelligence foundation. We have outlined some recommended steps to take for quick deployment to help you and your organization create a BI architecture. For more information on Jaspersoft and BI, feel free to read our other blogs here.