DataTables vs Handsontable: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will compare DataTables and Handsontable, two popular JavaScript libraries for creating interactive tables. Both libraries provide powerful features and functionality for handling tabular data, but there are some key differences between them. Let's explore these differences in detail.

1. Integration and Usage: DataTables is primarily designed as a jQuery plugin and integrates seamlessly with jQuery-based projects. It provides a wide range of configuration options and advanced features, making it suitable for complex data manipulation and customization. On the other hand, Handsontable is a standalone JavaScript library that can be used with or without jQuery. It focuses on providing a spreadsheet-like experience with instant cell editing, formulas, and conditional formatting.

2. Data Binding and Visualization: DataTables offers flexible options for data binding, including built-in support for server-side processing and AJAX data loading. It provides various ways to style and format the table, such as adding CSS classes, customizing the appearance of individual cells, and applying predefined themes. Handsontable, on the other hand, utilizes a data source object called the DataMap for data binding and visualization. It allows you to define custom renderers, formatters, and editors for each cell, making it easier to handle complex data structures and create custom UI components.

3. Editing and Interaction: DataTables provides basic inline editing capabilities with options for validating and saving changes. It also supports additional interaction features like row reordering, column resizing, and pagination. However, compared to Handsontable, the editing experience in DataTables is more limited and focused on simple data manipulation. Handsontable, as a dedicated spreadsheet library, offers extensive editing capabilities, including support for formulas, data validation, undo/redo functionality, and collaborative editing.

4. Performance and Scalability: DataTables is optimized for handling large datasets and offers various performance enhancements like data pagination, lazy loading, and server-side processing. It provides advanced features like smart filtering, sorting, and searching that can improve the user experience with large datasets. Handsontable, on the other hand, is more suitable for smaller datasets that require complex calculations and real-time updates. It utilizes virtual rendering and intelligent data handling techniques to ensure smooth performance even with thousands of rows.

5. License and Pricing: DataTables is open-source software released under the MIT license, which allows free usage and modification for both personal and commercial projects. Handsontable, on the other hand, offers both a free open-source version and a commercial version with additional features and support. The commercial version requires a paid license for commercial usage and provides dedicated technical support and regular updates.

6. API and Integration Ecosystem: DataTables has a rich API with extensive documentation and a large community of users, making it easy to find examples, tutorials, and plugins. It integrates well with other jQuery plugins and libraries, providing additional functionality through extensions. Handsontable also has a well-documented API and an active community that contributes to the development of additional plugins and integrations. It is designed to be modular and customizable, allowing developers to extend its functionality to suit their specific requirements.

In summary, DataTables is a versatile jQuery plugin with advanced features for data manipulation and customization, making it suitable for complex projects. Handsontable, on the other hand, is a standalone library focused on providing a spreadsheet-like experience with extensive editing capabilities. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your project and the level of complexity needed in handling and visualizing tabular data.