So, which table is best?

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I propose DataTables is the best choice for any project wanting to provide a single solution for both desktop and mobile devices.

While both jqGrid and DataTables are excellent technology and both meet the “good enough” criteria, DataTables has a slight edge for mobile devices.

* note that SlickGrid was eliminated as a candidate.

Here are my reasons for proposing DataTables:

  • DataTables has a smoother scrolling algorithm on mobile devices (iPad 3)
  • DataTables auto-eliminates the scroll bar and uses the device’s scrolling method
  • jqGrid’s styling is more heavily bound to JQuery UI, creating greater conflict as we try to be JQuery Mobile compliant
  • DataTables implements Virtual Rendering …deferring draw calls until needed
  • By Default, DataTables download size is considerably smaller: 25K vs 68K
  • DataTables has an excellent unit test suite comprising over 2800 tests
  • DataTables provides over 130 pre-built examples
  • DataTables provides a nicer ability to “expand” a row to show additional detail

Of course, jqGrid also has some advantages over DataTables. However, we do not need these in our current solution. For more details, see the jqGrid Evaluation post.

One thought on “So, which table is best?”

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