Skip to content
PHP 8.1+ Open source Developer documentation
Tools Packagist
Docs v2.0.6
Documentation versions v2.0.6Current v2.0.5Maintenance v2.0.4Maintenance v2.0.3Maintenance v2.0.0Initial v2 Compare versions →
MNB PHPExcelDeveloper Guide
AI

Getting started

Choose the Right MNB PHPExcel Package

Start with the complete package for general applications, or choose one focused library when a service owns a single file format or database-import responsibility.

Level
Beginner
Reading time
6 min
Package
mnb/mnb-phpexcel
Updated
First decision

Use the complete package unless the service has one narrow responsibility.

For most applications, one dependency is simpler to install, document, and grow. Choose a focused package only when the service boundary is intentionally limited to one format or import workflow.

Recommended default

Complete package

Best for applications that read and write spreadsheets, support more than one format, generate reports, import data, or may grow into those responsibilities later.

composer require mnb/mnb-phpexcel:^2.0
  • Matches the default examples in this documentation.
  • Includes the focused format and database libraries.
  • Keeps MnbExcel as the stable application-facing entry point.
Install the complete package
Use when the boundary is explicit

Focused package

Choose one focused dependency for a worker, integration, or service that owns exactly one format or database-import responsibility.

One file format
XLSX, XLS, CSV, JSON, XML, or ODS
Import worker
Database or Database XLSX
Avoid when
The application may need multiple spreadsheet responsibilities.
Choose a focused package
Choose by responsibility

Install only the capability this service owns.

The package name should describe the boundary of the service. If that sentence becomes complicated, use the complete package instead.

XLSX

Modern Excel reading, writing, streaming, formulas, styles, charts, and XLSX security.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-xlsx:^2.0
Guide
XLS

Legacy Excel 97–2003 workbooks with native BIFF8 reading and writing.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-xls:^2.0
Guide
CSV

CSV and TSV exchange, low-memory streaming, encoding conversion, and safe output.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-csv:^2.0
Guide
JSON

JSON arrays, workbook-shaped JSON, JSON Lines, and NDJSON pipelines.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-json:^2.0
Guide
XML

Secure XML reading, streaming, schema mapping, and configurable output.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-xml:^2.0
Guide
ODS

OpenDocument Spreadsheet reading with sheets, projection, dates, and formulas.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-ods:^2.0
Guide
Database

Format-neutral PDO imports with mapping, validation, batching, and duplicate handling.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-database:^2.0
Guide
Database XLSX

Direct large-XLSX-to-PDO workflows with chunks, resume manifests, and failure output.

mnb/mnb-phpexcel-database-xlsx:^2.0
Guide
After installation

Start with one public API, then go lower only when the task requires it.

Composer decides what is installed. These entry points decide how your application uses the installed code.

Most application codeMnbExcel

Open files, create workbooks, run imports, and start large-file workflows through the public facade.

Fluent readingReadSession

Select worksheets, map headers, project columns, stream rows, and collect arrays when needed.

Workbook outputWorkbookBuilder

Create worksheets, apply formatting, add formulas or charts, protect content, and save files.

Open the full Packages reference for every package boundary and API entry point →