Web Application Design Patterns

Chapter 7. Lists

Introduction

Lists are common in web applications for displaying a collection of items. However, the approach used to present lists depends on the nature of items in the collection. A SIMPLE LIST is typically used to present a collection of items with only one or two attributes. It may be used for multiattribute items, if additional attributes are not going to be referenced by users for comparing or sorting. Presenting multiattribute items for which sorting and comparing are important is best accomplished using a TABULAR LIST.

When list items need to show a parent–child relationship, a HIERARCHICAL LIST is most appropriate. Items in a hierarchical list often revert to a TABULAR LIST when restored as a parent–child relationship may ...