DataGrid 2 (Including Faster Graphics in LiveCode)

Introduction

The DataGrid has been available within LiveCode for many years and is at the heart of many data driven apps. It was originally designed for use on desktop and while it is successfully used in many mobile apps, there is a lot that we can add to it to make it truly mobile friendly.

In doing so there will be a number of other benefits to the platform as a whole. The DataGrid is currently available in all editions of the platform and DataGrid 2 will continue to be.

The resulting new DataGrid will provide a high performance, cross platform tool that takes full advantage of each platform’s native feature set. It will more than rival the native List and Table views on Android and iOS while retaining support for all platforms (mobile, desktop and web).

Faster DataGrid Performance

The number one feature we get asked for is to improve performance of complex DataGrids on mobile. We will improve performance in two ways. First, we will rework the DataGrid code to be more efficient in the way that it creates, removes and caches objects.

Faster Graphics on All Platforms

We will add new features to the engine to support accelerated rendering within groups. This will benefit LiveCode’s graphic performance in a variety of real world situations, on all platforms including mobile, desktop and web.

To achieve this we will add a ‘container’ layerMode to groups. This will allow controls within groups to benefit from the same graphics performance boost as non-grouped controls when turning acceleratedRendering on.

For the DataGrid each row will become rendered as its own sprite within this new accelerated rendering, improving scrolling performance even on lower end hardware and allowing smooth animation of rows. These same improvements can also be used within any group that you create.

Native Scrollers

The DataGrid will use native scrollbars by default without need for any configuration. (It will continue to use the correct scrollers on desktop without configuration.)

Edit Mode

We will add an ‘editing’ mode to the form view of the DataGrid. When edit mode is toggled on, each form row will be adorned (optionally) with a check-box on the left, and (optionally) a drag-handle on the right. This will allow easy implementation of multiple-selection and reorderable lists.

Swipe Gestures

We will add the idea of ‘row’ actions to the form view of the DataGrid. You will be able to specify lists of left and right swipe actions, displayed using gradually revealed buttons as you swipe a row left and right. This will make it really easy to create mobile-style lists which are prevalent in iOS and Android apps (for example Mail on iOS).

Mobile Theming

We will hook into native features where necessary on iOS and Android to ensure the fit and finish of the DataGrid provides a professional native experience. This includes details like the “bounce” effect.

To view some examples of what you will be able to do with the added ‘container’ layerMode click here

How much will it cost?

We need to fund $25,000 from the community for this project to go ahead.

Who will benefit?

Anyone who is creating any kind of app that requires complex layouts, grids, tables or lists.

When would it be completed?

We would expect to ship this component in October/November this year. Please note this is an estimate. We are using a new methodology for estimating projects and have done our best to make an accurate estimate with time built in for error. We do not guarantee delivery on this timescale but are confident we can get close.

Make Your Bid

Like this project?

Back this project today and if it is fully funded by 8pm BST on Thursday 6th July then this project will go ahead.

Note: You will only be invoiced on successful funding of this project.