To display data on web pages, web developers mostly use div instead of HTML tables. The goal is to offer the end-user a better experience.
This is precisely why we are showcasing jQuery table plugins for developers. It will help developers like you to sort, manage and display data with less or no effort.
The team of professionals at wpDataTables has collected the best jQuery table plugins that you can use for tabular data.
Check them out!
Neat jQuery Table Plugins
Freezeheader
Freezeheader, as its name tells, freezes the header row in a standard HTML table. It is a simple jQuery plugin also known as Fixed Header Table.
jQueryTabledit
jQueryTabledit is an inline editor for HTML tables, compatible with Bootstrap. You can edit inline like a spreadsheet or with buttons to change between edit and view mode.
Fixed Header Table
This jQuery plugin creates tables with fixed headers. You can use it for any valid HTML table markup.
WaTable
WaTable is a customizable jQuery table plugin. It offers options for sorting, paging, and filtering.
Looking to create data tables in WordPress?
wpDataTables can do that for you. There’s a good reason why it’s the #1 WordPress plugin for creating responsive tables and charts.
And it’s really easy to do something like this:
- You provide the table data
- Configure and customize it
- Publish it in a post or page
And it’s not just pretty, but also practical. You can make large tables with up to millions of rows, or you can use advanced filters and search, or you can go wild and make it editable.
“Yeah, but I just like Excel too much and there’s nothing like that on websites”. Yeah, there is. You can use conditional formatting like in Excel or Google Sheets.
Did I tell you you can create charts too with your data? And that’s only a small part. There are lots of other features for you.
Bootstrap Data Table
This jQuery plugin is used for styling. You can sort, page, and filter HTML tables with it. Also, you can use it for FontAwesome icons used in table icons.
Datable
Datatable is a data table plugin. It is used for jQuery table pagination, filtering, and AJAX loading.
Bootstrap Table
This is a featherweight plugin rich in features. It displays data in a tabular format. It also offers rich support to the radio, checkbox, Bootstrap Table sort, pagination, etc.
tableExport
tableExport is a jQuery plugin with which you can export an HTML table to JSON, XML, PNG, CSV, TXT, SQL, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint or PDF.
StickyTableHeaders
StickyTableHeaders is a table plugin that makes the header stick to the top of the screen when using a jQuery table scroll. It is particularly useful for large tables.
jQuery edit Table
This is a lightweight jQuery plugin that fills the gap when a default input field for data tables is missing. A jQuery editable table can be used both in AJAX and/or HTTP POST contests. It also allows you to preset the title and the number of columns. There is also the option to give complete freedom to the user.
Dynatable
Dynatable is semantic, interactive, and fun to use. It also uses HTML5 and JSON. It provides a simple, extensible API. This is particularly useful for larger datasets, as it facilitates viewing and interaction.
Dynatable provides a framework for implementing the most common elements out of the box, like jQuery table search. It is also useful for any jQuery sortable table and for filtering.
HighChartTable
HighchartTable is yet another one of these table plugins. It converts HTML data tables to Highchart graphs in a simple way. It has many attributes that allow you to customize the graph.
jQuery Table Sorter
jQuery Table Sorter is also a DataTables alternative. This jQuery plugin produces HTML tables and adds THEAD and TBODY elements to it. This makes the tables sortable without the need for continuously refreshing the page.
This plugin is very flexible and can parse and sort many types of data. It is even able to process linked data in a cell. It can add multi-column and multi-body sorting to a table.
Also, this plugin shows great compatibility with different browsers. Among others, it works with Internet Explorer 6.0+, Firefox 2+, Opera 9.0+, and Safari 2.0+. It offers extensibility via a widget system.
ReStable
ReStable is a very simple and lightweight plugin for making responsive tables that look good on smaller devices. Also, with this plugin, any jQuery responsive table collapses into a list.
Responsive Tables
This is a useful table plugin to make mobile-friendly jQuery tables.
jQuery Filter Table
jQuery Filter Table plugin offers you the option for live searching and filtering for HTML tables in a jQuery plugin. This plugin will also add a jQuery search filter to your table. This means that whenever you type something in the jQuery filter, any rows that do not contain the filter will be hidden in the table.
Stupid Table
StupidTable is a table sorting plugin. It is absurdly lightweight and stupidly simple. The only important thing is that you understand basic JavaScript table sorting. With that, you can completely control this jQuery table plugin. Make it do as much or as little as you want!
Stacktable.js
Another table plugin is Stacktable.js. It is a plugin for equalizing the height and/or width of jQuery table elements. The jQuery plugin provides an easy way of converting wide jQuery tables to a format more suitable for small screens. It will create a copy of the table and convert it into a 2-column key/value format.
FooTable
FooTablemakes HTML tables are mobile-friendly. No matter how many columns of data you have in the table, the FooTable plugin will make it look awesome. It transforms HTML tables into pretty tables that are both expandable and responsive.
JSON To Bootstrap Table
JSON To Bootstrap Table plugin is one of the easiest jQuery table plugins to use. It is the ultimate plugin for displaying responsive tables from JSON file data. It will fetch data from the backend (a JSON file that is a usual JavaScript functionality) and create a table based on that.
You only need to parse your JSON data and pass it on to the JSON To Bootstrap Table plugin. The mobile-friendly jQuery plugin will then automatically create a table with various action buttons, including the Bootstrap table sorting and pagination function.
CSS3 Price Table – jQuery Table Plugin
This is a table plugin for creating price tables using CSS3 and jQuery. It uses pure CSS3 animation effects to create animated tables. It offers various animation styles for experimenting with table animations.
With this jQuery table plugin, you can create pricing tables that have different color styles. You can even add badges and banners to tag specific plans.
If you need help, this table plugin offers you FAQ and source files you can consult. It also includes free updates for the future.
Tabulator
Tabulator is another one of the entries in our jQuery table plugins article. It can be used to dynamically generate interactive and extensible tables. They can be from either HTML, a JavaScript array, an AJAX data source, or JSON data.
This plugin comes with a wide range of features. You can add a filtering function, a sorting function, adjustable column widths, smart loading of table data, jQuery table pagination, and direct table input editing.
Tabulator has in-depth documentation and is very flexible as a whole. Its website outlines all the features it can provide, and that is why we decided to put it on this list.
The docs are very easy to understand and they work together with multiple inline examples. The documentation is long and involved, but it provides everything you need to know to get up and running with this jQuery table plugin.
FancyGrid
FancyGrid is one of jQuery table plugins that adds other features and additional functionality to your standard tables. This gives the data tables more power.
If you want a simple, lightly styled table, FancyGrid will make sure you get a fancy HTML table to work with. If you want a table with filters or with sorting and pagination functionality, FancyGrid will provide you with that. In any case, your users will get a great table experience.
FancyGrid can be used in several ways, depending on how you want to do it. You can use it to style your tables to make pretty tables out of them. You can also use it to add new functionality. Or, you can integrate it with Highcharts to provide data visualizations.
jQueryTreetable
jQueryTreetable allows you to display a tree in an HTML table. You can use a directory structure or a nested list.
jQueryKingTable
This jQuery plugin is a great solution for those who want strong control over how their data table will operate. It is perfect for accounts, project management, or other activities that focus heavily on data.
It is a complex, developer-focused plugin that offers table solutions you can leverage to create a complex searchable table with strong filtering conditions.
Unlike some of the other jQuery table plugins, this jquery table plugin is documented entirely on GitHub. There is even a Wikipedia page dedicated to it, outlining all of the various plugin settings and use cases.
The features include theming support, customizing it for your own needs. You can also add several filters and events that you can hook into to facilitate your data management.
This plugin is only for those who are comfortable with creating their own custom filters and data mechanisms. It is a heavily focused developer plugin. If you look for basic settings, other plugins might be more suitable.
FAQs about jQuery table plugins
1. What is a jQuery table plugin, and how does it work?
A JavaScript library called a jQuery table plugin makes it easier to create and work with HTML tables when using jQuery. These plugins make it simple for developers to build interactive, responsive data tables by enhancing tables with capabilities like sorting, filtering, pagination, and searching. These plugins operate by modifying the table elements dynamically in response to user input using JavaScript.
2. What are the advantages of using a jQuery table plugin in web development?
There are many benefits to using jQuery table plugins, including easier table generation and manipulation, more interaction, and better data presentation. Developers can save time and effort while constructing more useful and interesting user interfaces by employing pre-built plugins. Also, by including functions like keyboard navigation and text-to-speech capabilities, jQuery table plugins can increase accessibility.
3. Can jQuery table plugins work with dynamic data sets, or are they limited to static data?
Both static and dynamic data sets can be used with jQuery table plugins, enabling programmers to construct tables that automatically update when new data is added or changed. This may be accomplished by employing methods like AJAX to retrieve information from outside sources or by utilizing JavaScript to change table components in response to user input.
4. Are there any limitations to the size of data sets that can be used with jQuery table plugins?
Large data sets can be handled by jQuery table plugins, however there may be certain restrictions based on the particular plugin and the volume of data being processed. Larger data sets may cause performance concerns for some plugins, while handling huge volumes of data well may need more configuration or optimization for others.
5. What types of customization options are available with jQuery table plugins, such as styling or formatting options?
The styling, formatting, and data manipulation options available with jQuery table plugins are extensive. These plugins frequently offer options for altering the formatting of the data presented in the table as well as CSS classes that can be used to change the appearance of table elements. Additionally, some plugins might provide sophisticated functions like conditional formatting or data aggregation.
6. Are there any performance considerations to keep in mind when using jQuery table plugins?
Performance may be affected by jQuery table plugins, especially when handling large or intricate tables. Developers can think about streamlining their code and using pagination or lazy loading to lessen the quantity of data handled at once in order to mitigate these problems. Also, developers should select performance-oriented plugins and refrain from utilizing bloated plugins with a lot of extraneous functionality or resource-intensive plugins.
7. How do jQuery table plugins handle pagination and sorting of data?
Depending on the particular plugin being used, jQuery table plugins can manage pagination and sorting of data in a variety of ways. Many plugins provide possibilities for modifying the pagination controls and behavior in addition to built-in features for sorting and filtering data. Other functions like client-side sorting or server-side pagination may also be included in some plugins.
8. Are there any notable jQuery table plugins that are more suitable for specific use cases or industries?
There are various jQuery table plugins available, and each has advantages and disadvantages of their own. DataTables, Handsontable, and SlickGrid are a few well-liked alternatives that provide a variety of capabilities and customization choices for various use cases. Developers may decide to employ one of these plugins or look into alternative solutions depending on the particular requirements of a project in order to find the greatest fit.
9. How do jQuery table plugins handle responsive design and mobile devices?
When utilizing jQuery table plugins, responsive design is crucial to keep in mind because tables can be challenging to present on small screens or devices with constrained space. Tables can be displayed in a more compact fashion on smaller screens or devices thanks to the responsive design support that is incorporated into many plugins. To improve the user experience on mobile devices, certain plugins might additionally provide extra features like touch support or design options tailored to mobile devices.
10. Can jQuery table plugins be integrated with other JavaScript frameworks or libraries, such as React or Angular?
It is possible to integrate jQuery table plugins with other JavaScript frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, and Vue.js. In order to integrate, the essential jQuery and plugin files must first be loaded before using the correct hooks or methods to communicate with the table. However, when using numerous libraries or frameworks in a single project, developers need to be aware of any potential conflicts or compatibility problems. To make the procedure simpler, certain plugins might additionally provide specific integration libraries or instructions.
Ending thoughts on the best jQuery table plugins
Those are only some of the jQuery table plugins you can use for your data tables. They can be used in your projects to extend and improve the functionality and appearance of your tables. If you are interested only in light styling and creating pretty tables, there is a plugin out there to make it happen.
Alternatively, if you want to add extra features such as filters, column sorting, AJAX/JSON loading, etc., there is a plugin for that, too. If you want to make a searchable table– there is a plugin for that. In short, the above-listed table plugins will make your life easier and the user experience much better.
If you feel like you are in need of professional help, you can always give the wpDataTables plugin a try. Familiarize yourself better with all the features of our plugin, or try a free Lite version in the WordPress plugin repository for a more hands-on approach.
wpDataTables does not have any limitations concerning the number of columns and rows or regarding the data structure and can deliver responsive tables naturally. The plugin is supporting a lot of data types and various editor input types. Did I mention that it’s mobile-friendly? Well, I did now.
If you enjoyed reading this article on jQuery table plugins, you should check out this one about Bootstrap tables.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like CSS tables, responsive tables with CSS, HTML tables, How to center a table with CSS, table background color, WordPress pricing table plugins, and data table examples.
