React Table Libraries: A Deep Dive into Modern Data Grid Solutions

React Table Libraries empower developers to implement powerful data grids with essential features like filtering, sorting, and pagination in React applications. This article serves as your gateway to expert knowledge from GitNation's conference talks, where industry leaders share practical implementation strategies and cutting-edge patterns for data table components.

We'll examine the evolution and capabilities of popular solutions like TanStack Table (formerly React Table) and AG Grid, comparing their approaches and use cases. TanStack Table has gained popularity for its headless architecture that separates logic from presentation, offering extensive customization options, while AG Grid provides enterprise-grade features with comprehensive documentation for handling large datasets.

Through the lens of GitNation conference presentations, you'll discover performance optimization techniques for rendering thousands of rows, explore modern implementation patterns including Server Components, and learn practical strategies for choosing the right library for your specific needs.

The Evolution of React Tables

5 Years of Building React Table

React Summit 2022

24 min

5 Years of Building React Table

Top Content

Tanner Linsley

Nozzle.io

React Table is a popular table library that started with HTML5 tables and transitioned to React. It faced challenges with integration and user requests, leading to the development of React Table. The introduction of the Headless UI pattern and TypeScript support improved the library's capabilities and quality. Generics and TypeScript played a significant role in reducing the code size and improving development. React Table is now going framework agnostic and partnering with AG Grid.

The journey of React table libraries reflects the broader evolution of the React ecosystem. At React Summit 2022, Tanner Linsley, creator of React Table, shared insights from "5 Years of Building React Table" about this evolution. The library began with traditional HTML tables before transitioning to a component-based approach, eventually embracing the powerful Headless UI pattern that separates logic from markup.

Here's a simple example of how this headless pattern works:

1// Headless pattern with custom UI
2const table = useTable({
3  data,
4  columns
5}, useSortBy, useFilters)
6return (
7      {table.headerGroups.map(headerGroup => (
8          {headerGroup.headers.map(column => (
9              {column.render('Header')}
10              {column.isSorted ? (column.isSortedDesc ? ' ↓' : ' ↑') : ''}
11          ))}
12      ))}
13    {/* Body implementation */}
14)

1// Headless pattern with custom UI
2const table = useTable({
3  data,
4  columns
5}, useSortBy, useFilters)
6return (
7      {table.headerGroups.map(headerGroup => (
8          {headerGroup.headers.map(column => (
9              {column.render('Header')}
10              {column.isSorted ? (column.isSortedDesc ? ' ↓' : ' ↑') : ''}
11          ))}
12      ))}
13    {/* Body implementation */}
14)

This separation of concerns has revolutionized how we build table components. Rather than being constrained by predefined styling and behavior, developers can now implement their own UI while leveraging robust table logic. This approach has been so successful that even GitHub's interface uses React Table under the hood while maintaining its unique visual identity.

Understanding Your Options

When it comes to React table libraries, developers typically choose between two main approaches:

1. Headless Libraries (TanStack Table)

TanStack Table (formerly React Table) represents the headless approach, providing core table functionality without imposing any UI constraints. As detailed in Linsley's talk, this approach offers:

• Complete UI flexibility
• Smaller bundle size
• Framework agnostic capabilities
• TypeScript-first development

2. Full-Featured Solutions (AG Grid)

AG Grid represents the comprehensive solution approach. In "AG Grid's New React Rendering Engine", Sean Landsman from AG Grid explains how they've rebuilt their React integration to provide:

1import { AgGridReact } from 'ag-grid-react';
2const App = () => {
3  const [rowData] = useState([
4    { make: "Toyota", model: "Celica", price: 35000 },
5    { make: "Ford", model: "Mondeo", price: 32000 },
6    { make: "Porsche", model: "Boxster", price: 72000 }
7  ]);
8  const [columnDefs] = useState([
9    { field: 'make' },
10    { field: 'model' },
11    { field: 'price', filter: 'agNumberColumnFilter' }
12  ]);
13  return (
14      rowData={rowData} 
15      columnDefs={columnDefs}
16      defaultColDef={{
17        sortable: true,
18        filter: true
19      }}
20    />
21  );
22}

1import { AgGridReact } from 'ag-grid-react';
2const App = () => {
3  const [rowData] = useState([
4    { make: "Toyota", model: "Celica", price: 35000 },
5    { make: "Ford", model: "Mondeo", price: 32000 },
6    { make: "Porsche", model: "Boxster", price: 72000 }
7  ]);
8  const [columnDefs] = useState([
9    { field: 'make' },
10    { field: 'model' },
11    { field: 'price', filter: 'agNumberColumnFilter' }
12  ]);
13  return (
14      rowData={rowData} 
15      columnDefs={columnDefs}
16      defaultColDef={{
17        sortable: true,
18        filter: true
19      }}
20    />
21  );
22}

Performance Considerations

Performance is crucial when handling large datasets in tables. Michel Weststrate's talk "Beyond Virtual Lists" demonstrates advanced techniques for handling large datasets with frequent updates. His insights into virtualization and efficient rendering are particularly relevant for applications dealing with real-time data.

Stephen Cooper from AG Grid explores performance optimization in two significant talks. In "Patterns for Performance", he shares specific strategies for optimizing render cycles and managing large datasets. His follow-up talk, "What Refs Can Do for You", delves into using refs for performance optimization, particularly in custom cell components:

1const CustomCell = React.memo(({ value, width }) => {
2  const cellRef = useCallback(node => {
3    if (node) {
4      // Direct DOM manipulation for performance
5      node.style.width = `${width}px`;
6    }
7  }, [width]);
8  return 
9{value}
10;
11});

1const CustomCell = React.memo(({ value, width }) => {
2  const cellRef = useCallback(node => {
3    if (node) {
4      // Direct DOM manipulation for performance
5      node.style.width = `${width}px`;
6    }
7  }, [width]);
8  return 
9{value}
10;
11});

Modern Implementation Patterns

The landscape of React table libraries continues to evolve with modern patterns. At React Summit 2023, Omri Nachman presented "Off with Their Heads: Rise of the Headless Components", explaining how headless patterns enable better separation of concerns and improved maintainability in table implementations.

Looking toward the future, Kiril Peyanski's talk on "Polymorphic React Components" explores how tables can leverage Server Components in React 19, potentially revolutionizing how we handle data-heavy applications.

Advanced Features and Data Visualization

Mike Ryan's comprehensive workshops provide practical insights into implementing advanced features. In "Build a powerful DataGrid with AG Grid", he covers essential features like column definitions and state management. Preface from Mike: "Does your React app have lots (and lots) of data that needs to be displayed in both Data Grids and Charts? Do your users want to interact with, analyse, and work with this data without compromising on performance or reliability? AG Grid provide the best React Data Grid & Charts libraries that are packed with features and provide unbeatable performance whilst being fully customisable. In this workshop, you'll learn how to get started with both AG Grid and AG Charts, learn how to use their key features. You will walk away from this free 3-hour workshop equipped with the knowledge for implementing AG Grid & AG Charts into your React application."

Powerful Data Visualisation with AG Grid & AG Charts

React Summit US 2024

107 min

Powerful Data Visualisation with AG Grid & AG Charts

Mike Ryan

Polaris

In this workshop, we explored the features of Aggrid and how it works seamlessly with React. Aggrid is known for its speed and performance, handling large datasets with ease. We learned how to set up Aggrid, define columns, bind data, and implement AG Grid. We also covered sorting, filtering, cell rendering, and cell editing in Aggrid. Additionally, we were introduced to AGCharts, a canvas-based charting library that works well with AGGrid for plotting and graphing data. AGCharts is optimized for performance and offers a wide range of chart types and customization options. The workshop provided practical examples and exercises to demonstrate the use of Aggrid and AGCharts. Follow Mike Ryan on Twitter and Blue Sky at Mike Ryan Dev or Mike Ryan.dev for more information and resources.

Check also his follow-up workshop, "Powerful Data Visualisation with AG Grid & AG Charts". Preface: "Does your React app have lots (and lots) of data that needs to be displayed in both Data Grids and Charts? Do your users want to interact with, analyse, and work with this data without compromising on performance or reliability? AG Grid provide the best React Data Grid & Charts libraries that are packed with features and provide unbeatable performance whilst being fully customisable. In this workshop, you'll learn how to get started with both AG Grid and AG Charts, learn how to use their key features. You will walk away from this free 3-hour workshop equipped with the knowledge for implementing AG Grid & AG Charts into your React application."
Here is an demonstration from this workshop how to integrate sophisticated data visualization capabilities:

1const GridExample = () => {
2  const chartRef = useRef();
3  const createChartFromGrid = useCallback(() => {
4    const chartOptions = {
5      data: gridApi.getSelectedRows(),
6      series: [{
7        xKey: 'month',
8        yKey: 'value'
9      }]
10    };    
11    chartRef.current.api.setChartOptions(chartOptions);
12  }, []);
13  return (
14  );
15};

1const GridExample = () => {
2  const chartRef = useRef();
3  const createChartFromGrid = useCallback(() => {
4    const chartOptions = {
5      data: gridApi.getSelectedRows(),
6      series: [{
7        xKey: 'month',
8        yKey: 'value'
9      }]
10    };    
11    chartRef.current.api.setChartOptions(chartOptions);
12  }, []);
13  return (
14  );
15};

Making the Right Choice

When selecting a React table library, consider these factors:

Use TanStack Table when you:

• Need complete control over the UI
• Want minimal bundle size
• Prefer writing custom table logic
• Have unique UI requirements

Choose AG Grid when you:

• Need enterprise features out of the box
• Want comprehensive documentation
• Require advanced features like pivoting and aggregation
• Value immediate productivity over complete customization

Getting Started

For practical implementation guidance, Mike Ryan's workshops provide a comprehensive introduction to building data grids. The workshops cover essential features like:

• Column definitions and data binding
• Sorting and filtering implementation
• Custom cell rendering
• State management integration
• Data visualization integration

Looking Ahead

The future of React table libraries looks promising, with continued innovation in areas like:

• Server Component integration
• Enhanced performance optimization
• Improved type safety
• Framework-agnostic implementations

Recent talks at React Summit US 2024 demonstrate how libraries are adapting to new React features and patterns while maintaining backward compatibility and performance.

Conclusion

The React table ecosystem offers solutions for every use case, from lightweight headless libraries to full-featured enterprise solutions. By understanding the strengths and trade-offs of each approach, you can choose the library that best fits your project's needs. Whether you're building a simple data display or a complex enterprise application, the rich ecosystem of React table libraries provides the tools you need to succeed.

For deeper insights into specific aspects of React tables, explore the conference talks referenced throughout this article. These presentations from industry experts at GitNation conferences offer both theoretical understanding and practical implementation guidance for your next project. The combination of core table functionality, performance optimization techniques, and modern patterns ensures that React table libraries will continue to evolve and meet the growing demands of web development.