RowData

RowData is a term used in data grids and tabular UI components to describe the collection of records that populate the rows of a grid. In most implementations, rowData is an array, and each element represents a single row. A row object typically contains fields whose names align with the grid’s column definitions, so a column with field 'name' will render the corresponding value from each row object.

Common data structure and usage

A typical rowData example is an array of objects such as: [{ id: 1, name: 'Alice', age: 30 }, { id: 2, name: 'Bob', age: 25 }]. Column definitions reference these fields, for example by specifying field: 'name' or field: 'age'. This alignment allows the grid to render the correct value in each column and to support features like sorting, filtering, and grouping based on the underlying data.

Loading, updating, and identity

RowData can be provided statically or loaded asynchronously. Grids often support a function to supply a stable row identity (such as getRowId or rowKey) to track rows during updates, reordering, or edits. Updating rowData usually involves replacing the array (to preserve immutability in many frameworks) and triggering a re-render.

Performance and best practices

For large datasets, grids commonly employ virtualization and pagination, while rowData remains the source of truth for the displayed rows. Best practices include keeping rowData as a flat array of plain objects, ensuring consistent field names with column definitions, and minimizing in-place mutations to preserve predictable rendering.