[FIXED] How do I output EXCEL file directly to user without storing locally?

Issue

I'm using PHPExcel to generate excel files (crazy right ?) with information I get from a database, the thing is whenever I create the file it is saved in the server and then I just send a link to that file to the user so he can access it.

I doubt this is the right way of doing it, what I'm looking for is to just send the file to the browser without saving it on the server.

How do I output EXCEL file directly to user without storing locally?

Code:

$fileName  = "Request_" . $idRequest . "_Update.xls";
$objWriter = PHPExcel_IOFactory::createWriter($excel, 'Excel5');
$objWriter->save($fileName);
$objPHPExcel = PHPExcel_IOFactory::load($fileName);


echo json_encode(array(
        "ExitCode" => 0,
        "Message" => "Success",            
        "data" => $request,
        "File" => "../reports/$fileName"
    ));

Once i receive File in the $.ajax call that receives it just add it to an anchor tag:

$.ajax({
       ...
       success : function(response){
           $('#container').append('<a href="'+response.File+'">Here is your file</a>
       }

Solution

The accepted response to this question shows how to handle a success response be offering the file for download, or a failure response handled by the js (e.g. displayed within the current html page) without mime type issues

Answered By - Mark Baker

Answer Checked By - Cary Denson (PHPFixing Admin)