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phpfile-format

Which is the best library to parse Excel files in PHP?


Possible Duplicate:
Alternative for PHP_excel

I've found a number of PHP libraries for reading and parsing Excel files, such as PHPExcel and PHP-Excel-Reader. Are there any other ones, and which is the best (i.e. the most robust, most update-to-date, etc.)?


Solution

  • Definition of which is the best is very subjective... I have a vested interest when I say that PHPExcel is the best, because I'm the main developer. However:

    • very few of the packages listed in this thread are still actively supported
    • work only with one or other format of Excel files (BIFF .xls or Office Open XML .xlsx)
    • can only read, or only write
    • or require third-party plug-ins, or specific operating platforms

    Best is a very subjective term, and it really depends on your exact requirements including

    • whether you are able to use (for example) COM to interact directly with MS Excel on the server
    • or need to both read and write Excel
    • or need to work with xls, or xlsx or both formats
    • or care about ongoing development/support