You can create Microsoft Word and Excel applications in ABAP using the COM interface. However, using the COM interface can be cumbersome and requires a certain level of technical knowledge. As an alternative, the author has developed an open-source solution — the Office Document Toolbox — that ABAP developers can use to create word processing documents in Rich Text Format (RTF) and spreadsheets in Excel XLS format, presented in a two-article series. This first article explains the underlying design structure of the toolbox and then focuses on the RTF part of the toolbox. The information here will prepare you for the second article that will present the Excel spreadsheet solution.
Cord Jastram
Cord Jastram works for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in Germany as a software developer. His main focus lies in software development using Java, ABAP, and C++. He holds a Ph.D. from Hamburg University, where he did research in the field of numerical seismic modeling. Before joining CSC in 2000, Cord worked as a software developer for various companies.
You may contact the author at cord.jastram@gmail.com.
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