How do you choose between QlikView extensions and mashups for your dashboard design?

1 What are QlikView extensions?

QlikView extensions are custom objects that you can add to your QlikView documents to enhance their functionality or appearance. They are written in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and QlikView script and can use external libraries or frameworks. You can use extensions to create new charts, widgets, filters, menus, or any other element that you can imagine. Extensions are stored as .qar files and can be installed and used in the QlikView Desktop or Server.

2 What are QlikView mashups?

QlikView mashups are web pages that combine QlikView objects with other web content or components. They are created using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and QlikView APIs and can communicate with QlikView Server or Desktop. You can use mashups to embed QlikView objects into your existing web applications, portals, or sites, or to create new web applications that leverage QlikView data and logic. Mashups are stored as .html files and can be hosted on any web server.

3 Advantages of QlikView extensions

QlikView extensions offer several advantages over mashups, such as ease of creation and deployment - you can use the QlikView Extension Editor or any other code editor and import it into your QlikView document without needing to set up a web server. Additionally, they are more integrated with QlikView, allowing you to use the QlikView script, properties, and expressions to control the extension behavior and appearance. Furthermore, they are more consistent with QlikView look and feel, utilizing the QlikView themes, styles, and colors to match your extension with your dashboard design. You can also use the QlikView navigation and interaction features, such as bookmarks, actions, and triggers.

4 Advantages of QlikView mashups

QlikView mashups have several benefits over extensions. They are more flexible and scalable, allowing you to use any web technology or framework for the design and functionality. Additionally, you can make use of web services and APIs to connect the mashup with other data sources or applications. Furthermore, they are more responsive and interactive, with QlikView APIs enabling you to manipulate objects and data in the code. You can also employ web features such as animations, transitions, and effects to create a more engaging user experience. Lastly, they are more accessible and portable, as they can be accessed from any device or browser that supports web standards, and shared with anyone who has a web connection and a QlikView license.

5 How to choose between QlikView extensions and mashups

There is no definitive answer to which option is better for your dashboard design. It depends on your requirements, preferences, and skills. To help you decide, ask yourself the following questions: What is the purpose and scope of your dashboard? Who is the audience and how will it be distributed? What is your level of expertise and comfort with web technologies? If your goal is a simple or specific enhancement, an extension may be enough; however, if you want to create a complex or integrated web application that reaches a wider audience, a mashup may be more suitable. If you are more familiar with QlikView script and properties, an extension may be more convenient. On the other hand, if you have more experience with web development and frameworks, a mashup may be more fun and challenging.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?