What it does
Eclipse BIRT combines a visual report designer, reporting runtime and chart engine. Reports can draw on databases, files and other sources, then be embedded in desktop or web applications.
Eclipse BIRT separates report design from execution. Its visual designer produces an XML report definition; the runtime uses that definition and its data sources to generate the output. The local software is free to use under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.
After installing the designer, open Window > Open Perspective > Report Design. Create a BIRT Report Project through File > New > Project, then use File > New > Report inside that project. Choose a filename such as Customers.rptdesign and a template such as Grouped Listing. Finishing the wizard opens the report layout for editing. The source connection, fields and any required database driver are separate parts of completing that design.
Applications can integrate through the Design, Report or Chart Engine APIs. Alternatively, the example web viewer runs as a web application and requires cookies. That viewer deployment is a different task from using the local designer, and needs the appropriate application-server environment.
Strengths
- Separates reusable report definitions from runtime execution.
- Provides several engine APIs for application integration.
Watch out for
- The example web viewer requires an application-server deployment and enabled cookies.
- Database reporting may require the appropriate JDBC driver.
Best for
- Java-oriented teams embedding defined business reports in an application
Sources
- Eclipse BIRT designer, runtime and data sources (Oct 27, 2026)
- Eclipse BIRT EPL 2.0 licence (Oct 27, 2026)
- Eclipse BIRT local designer installation (Oct 27, 2026)
- Eclipse BIRT project and report template creation (Oct 27, 2026)
- Eclipse BIRT engine APIs and web viewer (Oct 27, 2026)