How to display and manage tabular data in OutSystems with the Data Grid component?

 

Displaying and Managing Tabular Data in OutSystems with the Data Grid Component

 

The OutSystems platform enables developers to build applications efficiently, and the Data Grid component is a powerful tool for presenting and managing tabular data. This guide walks you through the process of setting up, displaying, and managing data using the Data Grid component within OutSystems.

 

Prerequisites

 

• An active OutSystems account with access to Service Studio.
• Basic knowledge of the OutSystems development environment.
• Familiarity with database concepts and data modeling in OutSystems.
• Installed 'Data Grid Component' from OutSystems Forge.

 

Understanding the Data Grid Component

 

• The Data Grid is a versatile component ideal for displaying large sets of data in a tabular format.
• It supports features like pagination, sorting, filtering, and inline editing.
• Optimal for scenarios where data visualization and interaction are required.

 

Setting Up the Data Grid in Your OutSystems Application

 

• Open your existing OutSystems application in Service Studio.
• Ensure the 'Data Grid Component' is installed from Forge. If not, navigate to "Forge" in Service Studio and search for "Data Grid", then install it.

 

Implementing the Data Grid

 

• Create or identify the screen where you want to display the data grid.
• Navigate to the "Widget" tab in Service Studio and locate the Data Grid component. Drag it onto the desired screen.
• Bind the Data Grid to a source by selecting the data type you want to display. Create a Data Action or Aggregate to fetch data from your database.
• Configure the columns to match your data structure. Each data attribute should correspond to a column in the grid.

 

Configuring Data Grid Properties

 

• Set up the column headers, widths, and other UI properties in the data grid's settings panel.
• Enable sorting, filtering, and pagination by selecting the appropriate options. These enhance usability for end-users.

 

Integrating Inline Editing and Actions

 

• To allow inline editing, enable the "Editable" property for the respective columns. This allows users to modify data directly within the grid.
• Create logic for save operations that will update the database with any changes made during inline editing.
• Add buttons or icons for actions like "Edit", "Delete", or "Details", and handle these through OutSystems' event-handling mechanisms.

 

Managing the Data Grid

 

• Use the built-in event handlers to manage data operations, such as OnRowSave or OnRowDelete, to keep your grid and database synchronized.
• Structure the logic to handle user interactions efficiently, ensuring that changes are reflected in the database and displayed correctly in the grid.

 

Styling and Customization

 

• Apply OutSystems themes and styles to customize the appearance of the Data Grid to match the application’s overall design.
• Use CSS for more complex styling requirements, allowing for advanced customizations like color schemes, font sizes, and hover effects.

 

Testing Your Data Grid Implementation

 

• Utilize Service Studio's built-in testing tools to preview and debug your Data Grid setup.
• Ensure that sorting, filtering, editing, and action buttons work as expected.
• Verify data accuracy and responsiveness across different devices and screen sizes.

 

Deploying Your OutSystems Application

 

• After thoroughly testing the Data Grid, proceed to deploy your application using OutSystems' deployment tools.
• Monitor performance and make necessary adjustments post-deployment to optimize data processing and user interaction.

 

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively display and manage tabular data in your OutSystems applications using the Data Grid component. This component is crucial for applications that require robust data handling capabilities and enhances user experience through its interactive features.