Smartly Importing Array Element by Slicer into Excel With Smart Markers

Why Accessing Array Element by Slicer

In FastReport’s Smart Markers, accessing array elements using a slicer (e.g., [array[1..3]]) provides a concise, efficient way to work with subsets of data.

1. Simplified Data Extraction: Manually iterating over large arrays requires loops and complex syntax. Slicers let you extract ranges (subarrays) in one line. Example: [Products[1..5].Name] fetches names of the first 5 products.
2. Dynamic Reporting: Generate reports for variable data slices (e.g., “Top N items,” paginated views). Example: [Sales[0..{PageNo*10}]] dynamically loads data chunks for multi-page reports.
3. Performance Optimization: Avoid loading entire arrays into memory. Fetch only needed elements. Example: [Logs[^10..^1]] retrieves the last 10 entries efficiently.
4. Declarative Syntax: Express intent directly in template markers. Example: [Employees[3..7].Department] clearly selects departments from entries 3 to 7.
5. Integration with Data Sources: Works with arrays from databases, JSON, or code. Example: Bind Invoice.Items[0..2] to display the first 3 line items.
6. Slicers in Smart Markers reduce code complexity, improve readability, and optimize data handling for array subsets. Use them when you need quick, range-based access—ideal for pagination, top-N lists, or windowed data views.

How to Import Array Element by Slicer into Excel With Smart Markers

Aspose.Cells supports accessing array element by slicer in smart markers. Please check template file, json file and the screenshot of the output excel file generated with the following code.

The first worksheet of the smartmarker.xlsx file showing smart markers.

The screenshot of the output excel file.

Json data as follows:

{
  "EntityCin": "EntityCin Test",
  "EntityName": "EntityName Test",
  "FirstName": "FirstName Test",
  "MiddleName": "MiddleName Test",
  "LastName": "LastName Test",
  "DOB": "2025-02-08",
  "SSN": "11111111",
  "Directors": [
    {
      "id": "director id 1",
      "FirstName": "director first 1",
      "MiddleName": "director middle 1",
      "LastName": "director last 1",
      "Reportees": [
        {
          "id": "aaa",
          "FirstName": "first aaa",
          "MiddleName": "middle aaa",
          "LastName": "last aaa",
          "Department": "aaa department",
          "City": "aaa city",
          "GST": "Yes",
          "ITR": "No"
        },
        {
          "id": "bbb",
          "FirstName": "first bbb",
          "MiddleName": "middle bbb",
          "LastName": "last bbb",
          "Department": "bbb department",
          "City": "bbb city",
          "GST": "Yes",
          "ITR": "Yes"
        },
        {
          "id": "ccc",
          "FirstName": "first ccc",
          "MiddleName": "middle ccc",
          "LastName": "last ccc",
          "Department": "ccc department",
          "City": "ccc city",
          "GST": "No",
          "ITR": "No"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "director id 2",
      "FirstName": "director first 2",
      "MiddleName": "director middle 2",
      "LastName": "director last 2",
      "Reportees": [
        {
          "id": "eee",
          "FirstName": "first eee",
          "MiddleName": "middle eee",
          "LastName": "last eee",
          "Department": "eee department",
          "City": "eee city",
          "GST": "Yes",
          "ITR": "No"
        },
        {
          "id": "fff",
          "FirstName": "first fff",
          "MiddleName": "middle fff",
          "LastName": "last fff",
          "Department": "fff department",
          "City": "fff city",
          "GST": "No",
          "ITR": "No"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "director id 3",
      "FirstName": "director first 2",
      "MiddleName": "director middle 2",
      "LastName": "director last 2",
      "Reportees": [
        {
          "id": "eee3",
          "FirstName": "first eee3",
          "MiddleName": "middle eee3",
          "LastName": "last eee3",
          "Department": "eee department3",
          "City": "eee city3",
          "GST": "Yes",
          "ITR": "No"
        },
        {
          "id": "fff3",
          "FirstName": "first fff3",
          "MiddleName": "middle fff3",
          "LastName": "last fff3",
          "Department": "fff department3",
          "City": "fff city",
          "GST": "No",
          "ITR": "No"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "id": "director id 4",
      "FirstName": "director first 4",
      "MiddleName": "director middle 4",
      "LastName": "director last 4",
      "Reportees": [
        {
          "id": "eee4",
          "FirstName": "first eee4",
          "MiddleName": "middle eee4",
          "LastName": "last eee4",
          "Department": "eee department4",
          "City": "eee city4",
          "GST": "Yes",
          "ITR": "No"
        },
        {
          "id": "fff4",
          "FirstName": "first fff4",
          "MiddleName": "middle fff4",
          "LastName": "last fff4",
          "Department": "fff department4",
          "City": "fff city4",
          "GST": "No",
          "ITR": "No"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

The example that follows shows how this works.