ChildRow

ChildRow is a term used in the context of hierarchical tabular data, referring to a row that represents a subordinate item in relation to a parent row. In tree grid or expandable table implementations, a ChildRow is displayed under its parent, can be expanded or collapsed, and typically carries a depth level indicating its position in the hierarchy.

Key characteristics include indentation to show nesting, a reference to the parent (often a parentId), and sometimes inherited attributes or status indicators. Data structures commonly model ChildRows with a recursive or adjacency list approach: each child row has its own identifier and a pointer to its parent. Databases store this with a foreign key to the parent; in JSON structures, a children array can hold nested ChildRows.

Rendering and interaction: users can expand or collapse ChildRows to reveal or hide descendants; accessibility considerations and keyboard navigation apply. For large hierarchies, techniques such as virtualization and lazy loading are common optimization methods.

Common use cases include file system trees, organizational charts, project task breakdowns, and product catalogs that present variants beneath parent items.

Implementation notes: ensure unique identifiers, handle dynamic changes in the hierarchy (adding, moving, deleting), and manage visual cues such as indentation and collapse icons. Consider edge cases like circular references and orphaned rows.

See also: ParentRow, Tree grid, Hierarchical data, Row, Data table, Expandable row.