Excel generation in C, C++

[manish manware]

Can anybody help me in finding information or sample code to generate Excel file using BIFF8 format in C or C++ (not Visual C++).

[kbw]

BIFF was last documented in Excel4. That was back in 93 I think, and a it was a royal pain.

You should use Excel thru its automation interface to handle native Excel files (xls/xlst).

[webJose]

I think BIFF is used all the way up to Excel 2003. I think the format changed in 2007, hence the new .xlsx file extension.

[kbw]

BIFF records make up .xls files. But the format's been tweaked for each release, but it was last documented in Excel 4.

It's no fun working with BIFF records. The ordering and even types seem almost arbitrary, but if the order isn't correct Excel can't read it.

If you use the Automation interface you'll handle all supported file formats. You will need Excel installed though.