tableView

A table view is a user interface component that presents data in a vertical, scrollable list of rows, optionally grouped into sections. Each row is rendered by a cell that displays content such as text, images, or controls. Table views are commonly used to show lists of items like contacts, messages, or settings.

A table view operates with a data source and a delegate. The data source provides the number of sections, the number of rows in each section, and the cell to display for each row. The delegate handles presentation and interaction decisions such as row height, selection style, and actions when a row is selected. To optimize performance, table views reuse cells as they scroll off screen, using a reuse identifier and a registration mechanism for cell classes or nibs.

Common features include support for editing and rearranging rows, inserting or deleting items, and adding header and footer views for sections. Table views may offer dynamic row heights, estimated heights for performance, and the option to customize individual cells or use standard cell styles. In modern implementations, prototype or storyboard-configured cells can streamline development and allow layout to adapt to content.

Platform variations exist. In iOS, UITableView is the standard table view component, with a well-established data source and delegate pattern. macOS uses NSTableView, which provides similar concepts with a different API. Other frameworks offer analogous list controls (e.g., Android’s RecyclerView) that follow related patterns for providing data and handling user interactions. Table views remain a fundamental tool for presenting structured lists in graphical interfaces.