When writing windows applications you have the printDocument object to write code against and send it direct to the printer.
Is there something similar in ASP.NET for web applications. I think there probably isn't as ASP.NET is server side.
What I need it the user to press a button and send some text to the printer direct. The only way I can think is to dynamically create HTML and display it in a browser, the user prints from there but I would like it to go direct to the printer.
Thanks
Unfortunately no.
You must display what you want to print on screen using HTML and then this is printed.
There are ways of getting the page to format for the printer using CSS2 - sometimes print friendly pages are used. Its a pain in the arse sometimes!
DJ
Sorry for hijacking this post and the newbie question.
What is CSS2?
There are a few CSS standards - started with CSS level 1 and 2 - level 3 is under development.
You can view the standards at http://www.w3.org/Style/CSS/ just scroll down to CSS Specifications.
HTH
DJ
You could alternatively dynamically create a pdf, and they could print that.
Now there is an idea.
Any help on how I do that please.
Well, you could download the adobe sdk, but that would require more learning... I don't know your project specs or your deadline.
Best thing to do, if this is an enterprise solution, is to just buy a 3rd party component...
http://www.siberix.com/pdf/index.html
For $200, that's a nice steal...
If you have VS.NET Enterprise or Enterprise Architect, then you can use Crystal Reports that comes with it. With it you can export your data in many different formats like PDF, Excel, Rich Text etc.
Yea but then you have to use Crystal Reports... ACK!
Our pre VS.NET intranet had crystal reports but we had some initial problems with compatability.
Fortunately now though we have Crystal Enterprise for out reports.