How to Successfully Download an Excel File Using AJAX After Form Submission in ASP.NET MVC

Summary: Learn how to download an Excel file using AJAX after form submission in an ASP.NET MVC application. This guide covers C#, jQuery, and AJAX implementation for seamless file downloads.
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How to Successfully Download an Excel File Using AJAX After Form Submission in ASP.NET MVC

When building modern web applications, incorporating dynamic elements that enhance user experience is crucial. One such feature is downloading files using AJAX, which allows users to stay on the same page without needing a full page refresh. In this post, we'll explore how to successfully download an Excel file using AJAX after a form submission in an ASP.NET MVC application.

Setting Up the ASP.NET MVC Controller

First, create a method in your Controller that generates the Excel file. This method will need to return a FileResult.

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Creating the Form in the View

Next, create a form in your view that the user will submit. Use @Html.BeginForm to define the form:

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Adding jQuery and AJAX

To handle the AJAX request and file download, add jQuery to your view and write the necessary AJAX logic:

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Explanation of the Code:

Controller Method: GenerateExcel creates a simple Excel file and returns it as a FileResult.

View: Contains a form with a button to trigger the download process.

jQuery and AJAX:

The $.ajax function is used to make an asynchronous POST request to the GenerateExcel action.

xhrFields: { responseType: 'blob' } ensures that the response is processed as a Blob.

Upon success, create a link element, set its href to the blob URL, and trigger a click event to download the file.

This approach ensures that your users can download Excel reports smoothly without disrupting their interaction with your application. By using AJAX, you offer a more seamless and responsive user experience.