Download iReport, the open source report designer for JasperReports, if you are unfamiliar with compiling Java source code. Run the executable file and follow the dialogue instructions to install iReport.
Run iReport after the setup wizard finishes. Establish a connection to your database by following the datasource wizard. Select the type of database or file you wish to load and provide the access information on the following window.
Click "File" and select the "New" option. Select a blank template then click "Open this Template." Click the "Database Query" button (to the right of the "Preview" button) and use the query designer to pull information from your database.
Design your report using the visual designer screen. Drag the name of a field (such as "ORDERID" or "CUSTOMERNAME") from the "Report Inspector" onto the design view to print the results of that query. For example, to list all order identification numbers, simply drag the "ORDERID" name from the "Report Inspector" window onto the design view.
Press "Preview" to ensure that the report displays accurately. Correct any layout or query errors that appear on the preview page.
Click the "Save" button. Enter a name for your report. Select the format into which you wish to export your report then press "Save."