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pdf-generationscalable

what are the various approaches for generating PDFs?

I have an idea for an app that would take some flash content which contains graphics and images like various geometric shapes and polygons and some random images and convert them to PDF.

Also, since I envision this app to be used my multiple users I want this process to be quick and scalable. One possible solution I could think of is have a small flash client with the capability of assembling the above mentioned graphics and images. Generate some sort of XML, send it to a server running a Java process which could render the PDF using iText.

I was wondering what are the other possible ways to do it or the best practices. Technology isn't an issue; open source or commercial.

I understand that image uploads etc will take variable amount of time so consider that images are readily available. Here are the criterias in terms of what I am looking for in a solution for PDF rendering:

  1. No constraint on the flash client because the PDF render engine.
  2. Scalable to multiple users
  3. Speed and Efficiency
  4. Least amount of serialization / deserialization

I would appreciate if you could share your tech stack idea. Thanks a lot!

PS: I would appreciated if you don't get bogged down my Flash >> XML >> Java approach. I believe it to be one of the many approaches that could be taken.

Solution

  • If generating the PDF in the browser using Flash is an option, then consider using AlivePdf. If not, then check out XSL:FO, we use it for server side conversion to PDF.