What are the advantages of using server-side generation of xlsx files over converting HTML tables to xlsx format in PHP?

When generating xlsx files in PHP, using server-side generation is more efficient and reliable compared to converting HTML tables to xlsx format. Server-side generation allows for direct creation of xlsx files using libraries like PHPExcel or PHPSpreadsheet, ensuring better control over formatting, styling, and data manipulation. Converting HTML tables to xlsx format can be error-prone and may not fully retain the original table structure or styling.

// Example of server-side generation of xlsx file using PHPSpreadsheet library
require 'vendor/autoload.php';

use PhpOffice\PhpSpreadsheet\Spreadsheet;
use PhpOffice\PhpSpreadsheet\Writer\Xlsx;

// Create new PHPExcel object
$spreadsheet = new Spreadsheet();

// Add data to the spreadsheet
$sheet = $spreadsheet->getActiveSheet();
$sheet->setCellValue('A1', 'Hello');
$sheet->setCellValue('B1', 'World');

// Save the spreadsheet as xlsx file
$writer = new Xlsx($spreadsheet);
$writer->save('hello_world.xlsx');