Pros of tablesorter

• More comprehensive table manipulation features (sorting, filtering, paging)
• Extensive documentation and examples
• Wider range of customization options and themes

Cons of tablesorter

• Larger file size and potentially higher performance overhead
• Steeper learning curve due to more complex API

Code Comparison

floatThead:

$('table').floatThead();

tablesorter:

$('table').tablesorter({
  theme: 'blue',
  widgets: ['zebra', 'filter'],
  sortList: [[0,0], [1,0]]
});

Summary

floatThead is a lightweight library focused specifically on creating floating table headers, while tablesorter is a more comprehensive solution for table manipulation. floatThead is easier to implement for its specific use case, but tablesorter offers more features and customization options at the cost of increased complexity and file size.

Both libraries have active communities and regular updates. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your project. If you only need floating headers, floatThead may be the better option. For more advanced table functionality, tablesorter could be the preferred choice.

Pros of bootstrap-table

• More comprehensive table functionality, including sorting, filtering, and pagination
• Extensive documentation and examples for various use cases
• Active community with frequent updates and contributions

Cons of bootstrap-table

• Larger file size and potentially higher performance overhead
• Steeper learning curve due to more complex API and configuration options
• May require additional setup for basic floating header functionality

Code Comparison

bootstrap-table:

<table data-toggle="table" data-url="data.json">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th data-field="id">ID</th>
      <th data-field="name">Name</th>
      <th data-field="price">Price</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
</table>

floatThead:

<table id="myTable">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>ID</th>
      <th>Name</th>
      <th>Price</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <!-- Table body -->
</table>
<script>
  $('#myTable').floatThead();
</script>

bootstrap-table offers a more feature-rich solution with built-in data loading and column configuration, while floatThead focuses specifically on creating floating headers with a simpler implementation. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the project and the desired level of functionality.

Pros of simple-datatables

• More comprehensive data table solution with built-in sorting, searching, and pagination
• Easier to implement for full-featured data tables without additional plugins
• Supports modern JavaScript and can be used as an ES6 module

Cons of simple-datatables

• Larger file size and potentially higher overhead for simpler use cases
• Less focused on specific table header functionality compared to floatThead
• May require more configuration for custom styling and behavior

Code Comparison

simple-datatables:

import {DataTable} from 'simple-datatables'

const myTable = new DataTable("#myTable", {
    searchable: true,
    fixedHeight: true,
    perPage: 10
})

floatThead:

$('#myTable').floatThead({
    position: 'fixed',
    top: 50,
    scrollContainer: function($table){
        return $table.closest('.wrapper');
    }
});

Summary

simple-datatables offers a more comprehensive solution for creating interactive data tables with built-in features like sorting and pagination. It's better suited for projects requiring full-featured tables out of the box. floatThead, on the other hand, focuses specifically on floating table headers and may be more appropriate for simpler use cases or when integrating with existing table implementations. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your project and the level of customization needed.

Pros of Handsontable

• Full-featured data grid/spreadsheet component with extensive functionality
• Supports various data types, formulas, and advanced cell editing
• Offers both open-source and commercial versions with additional features

Cons of Handsontable

• More complex to implement and configure due to its extensive feature set
• Larger file size and potential performance impact for simpler use cases
• Commercial license required for some advanced features

Code Comparison

Handsontable:

const container = document.getElementById('example');
const hot = new Handsontable(container, {
  data: data,
  rowHeaders: true,
  colHeaders: true,
  filters: true,
  dropdownMenu: true
});

FloatThead:

$('#myTable').floatThead({
  position: 'fixed',
  top: 50,
  scrollContainer: function($table){
    return $table.closest('.wrapper');
  }
});

Key Differences

• Handsontable is a complete data grid solution, while FloatThead focuses solely on floating table headers
• FloatThead is lighter and easier to implement for simple floating header requirements
• Handsontable offers more advanced data manipulation and editing capabilities
• FloatThead is generally more performant for large tables with simple floating header needs