Pros of ag-grid

• Feature-rich with built-in functionality like sorting, filtering, and pagination
• Excellent performance for handling large datasets
• Extensive documentation and enterprise support options

Cons of ag-grid

• Steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive API
• Larger bundle size, which may impact initial load times
• Some advanced features require a paid license

Code Comparison

ag-grid:

<AgGridReact
  columnDefs={columnDefs}
  rowData={rowData}
  defaultColDef={defaultColDef}
  onGridReady={onGridReady}
/>

TanStack Table:

const table = useReactTable({
  data,
  columns,
  getCoreRowModel: getCoreRowModel(),
})

Key Differences

• ag-grid provides a more complete out-of-the-box solution, while TanStack Table offers a lightweight, flexible foundation
• TanStack Table has a smaller footprint and is easier to customize, but requires more manual implementation of advanced features
• ag-grid excels in enterprise scenarios with complex requirements, whereas TanStack Table is ideal for simpler use cases or when full control over the table implementation is needed

Both libraries have their strengths, and the choice between them depends on project requirements, performance needs, and desired level of customization.

Pros of Handsontable

• Full-featured spreadsheet-like interface with built-in cell types and editors
• Extensive documentation and enterprise support options
• Large ecosystem with plugins and integrations

Cons of Handsontable

• Heavier bundle size due to comprehensive feature set
• Steeper learning curve for customization
• Commercial license required for some use cases

Code Comparison

Handsontable:

const hot = new Handsontable(container, {
  data: data,
  columns: [
    { type: 'text', title: 'Name' },
    { type: 'numeric', title: 'Age' }
  ],
  rowHeaders: true,
  colHeaders: true
});

TanStack Table:

const table = useReactTable({
  data,
  columns: [
    { accessorKey: 'name', header: 'Name' },
    { accessorKey: 'age', header: 'Age' }
  ],
  getCoreRowModel: getCoreRowModel()
});

Key Differences

• Handsontable provides a more Excel-like experience out of the box
• TanStack Table offers greater flexibility and lighter weight
• Handsontable has built-in cell types and editors, while TanStack Table requires custom implementation
• TanStack Table is framework-agnostic, whereas Handsontable has separate versions for different frameworks

Both libraries are powerful tools for creating data grids, but they cater to different use cases and development preferences.

Pros of material-table

• Integrated with Material-UI, providing a consistent look and feel
• Built-in features like sorting, filtering, and pagination
• Simpler setup for basic use cases

Cons of material-table

• Less flexible for complex customizations
• Heavier bundle size due to Material-UI dependencies
• Limited to React applications

Code Comparison

material-table:

import MaterialTable from 'material-table';

<MaterialTable
  columns={[
    { title: 'Name', field: 'name' },
    { title: 'Age', field: 'age', type: 'numeric' },
  ]}
  data={[
    { name: 'John', age: 30 },
    { name: 'Jane', age: 25 },
  ]}
/>

table:

import { useTable } from '@tanstack/react-table';

const { getTableProps, getTableBodyProps, headerGroups, rows, prepareRow } = useTable({
  columns,
  data,
});

// Render table using the returned properties and methods

Summary

material-table offers a quick setup with built-in features and Material-UI integration, making it ideal for projects already using Material-UI. However, it's less flexible and has a larger bundle size. table provides more flexibility and framework-agnostic options but requires more setup for basic features. Choose based on your project's specific needs and existing tech stack.

Pros of react-bootstrap-table2

• Easier integration with Bootstrap styling
• Built-in pagination and sorting functionality
• More straightforward setup for basic table needs

Cons of react-bootstrap-table2

• Less flexible for complex table requirements
• Limited customization options compared to TanStack Table
• Smaller community and less frequent updates

Code Comparison

react-bootstrap-table2:

import BootstrapTable from 'react-bootstrap-table-next';

const columns = [{
  dataField: 'id',
  text: 'Product ID'
}, {
  dataField: 'name',
  text: 'Product Name'
}];

<BootstrapTable keyField='id' data={ products } columns={ columns } />

TanStack Table:

import { useTable } from '@tanstack/react-table'

const columns = useMemo(() => [
  { Header: 'Product ID', accessor: 'id' },
  { Header: 'Product Name', accessor: 'name' },
], [])

const { getTableProps, getTableBodyProps, headerGroups, rows, prepareRow } = useTable({ columns, data })

Both libraries offer solutions for creating tables in React applications. react-bootstrap-table2 provides a more straightforward approach with built-in features, making it suitable for simpler use cases. TanStack Table, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility and customization options, making it more appropriate for complex table requirements and advanced use cases.

Pros of react-data-grid

• Built specifically for React, offering a more integrated experience
• Provides a rich set of built-in features like cell editing, sorting, and filtering
• Offers better performance for large datasets with virtualization out of the box

Cons of react-data-grid

• Less flexible and customizable compared to table
• Limited to React applications, while table is framework-agnostic
• Steeper learning curve due to its more opinionated structure

Code Comparison

react-data-grid:

import ReactDataGrid from 'react-data-grid';

const columns = [
  { key: 'id', name: 'ID' },
  { key: 'name', name: 'Name' }
];

const rows = [
  { id: 1, name: 'John' },
  { id: 2, name: 'Jane' }
];

function MyGrid() {
  return <ReactDataGrid columns={columns} rows={rows} />;
}

table:

import { useTable } from '@tanstack/react-table';

function MyTable() {
  const data = [
    { id: 1, name: 'John' },
    { id: 2, name: 'Jane' }
  ];
  const columns = [
    { Header: 'ID', accessor: 'id' },
    { Header: 'Name', accessor: 'name' }
  ];
  const { getTableProps, getTableBodyProps, headerGroups, rows, prepareRow } = useTable({ columns, data });
  // Render table using the returned properties and methods
}

Pros of Material-UI

• Comprehensive UI component library with a wide range of pre-built components
• Follows Google's Material Design principles, ensuring a consistent and modern look
• Extensive documentation and community support

Cons of Material-UI

• Larger bundle size due to the extensive component library
• Steeper learning curve for customization and theming
• May require more setup and configuration for specific use cases

Code Comparison

Material-UI example:

import { Table, TableBody, TableCell, TableHead, TableRow } from '@mui/material';

<Table>
  <TableHead>
    <TableRow>
      <TableCell>Name</TableCell>
      <TableCell>Age</TableCell>
    </TableRow>
  </TableHead>
  <TableBody>
    {/* Table rows */}
  </TableBody>
</Table>

TanStack Table example:

import { useTable } from '@tanstack/react-table';

const { getTableProps, getTableBodyProps, headerGroups, rows, prepareRow } = useTable({ columns, data });

<table {...getTableProps()}>
  <thead>{/* Header rows */}</thead>
  <tbody {...getTableBodyProps()}>{/* Table rows */}</tbody>
</table>

TanStack Table focuses specifically on table functionality, offering a more lightweight and flexible solution for complex table requirements. Material-UI provides a complete UI framework with pre-styled components, making it easier to create consistent designs across an entire application.