Igniting Data Potential with AG Grid

Businesses rely heavily on spreadsheets to manage critical data. Often these spreadsheets are pushed to their limits to solve a particular problem, and a need arises to replace the old spreadsheet process. That’s where AG Grid comes in. We Write Code leverages AG Grid for building user workflows in custom web applications, offering a familiar spreadsheet-like interface to end users.

What is AG Grid?

AG Grid is a powerful JavaScript data grid that offers a wide array of features for displaying and interacting with data. It’s designed to handle large datasets with exceptional performance and provides a highly customizable interface. From sorting and filtering to advanced features like grouping and aggregation, AG Grid empowers developers to create intuitive and dynamic data-driven applications.

Spreadsheet using AG grid theme builder showing sample financial data

What is the Problem Being Solved?

Traditional spreadsheet processes, especially when sharing or uploading, can be difficult to work with. One of the ways we’ve put AG Grid to use is by allowing us to replace traditional data upload processes with a simple copy/paste operation from apps like MS Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet tools to a custom web application. Anyone that has implemented user-initiated upload processes understands how external data is plagued with inconsistencies and often fails validation logic. But, when dropping the data directly into a grid control, invalid records can be flagged with meaningful messages with appropriate context and the user can fix bad data right in the grid. The cumbersome workflow of entering data in a spreadsheet application, exporting data to .csv, uploading data to web app, receiving a list of errors, fixing errors in spreadsheet tool, exporting to .csv again, and reuploading is condensed into a fraction of the steps.

Spreadsheet showing search and filter capabilities on sample financial data

Why We Chose AG Grid

At We Write Code, our goal is to provide clients with scalable and efficient solutions that meet their unique needs. Here’s why AG Grid stood out for us:

Performance: AG Grid is optimized for speed, handling millions of rows without compromising user experience. This ensures that our applications remain responsive, even with extensive datasets.
User Experience: Sometimes bulk data management is too cumbersome to do in a form control. Grid layouts on the other hand, offer fewer clicks and are intuitive to end users as they offer a spreadsheet-style experience.
Customizability: With AG Grid, we can tailor grids to match client branding and functionality requirements. This flexibility allows us to create interfaces that align perfectly with our clients’ business objectives.
Rich Feature Set: AG Grid comes packed with features like inline editing, cell formatting, and real-time updates, allowing us to deliver sophisticated solutions quickly.
Community and Support: The vibrant AG Grid community and comprehensive documentation make it easier for our developers to implement best practices and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Spreadsheet showing configuration options, such as Pivot Mode, on sample financial data

Delivering Client Value with AG Grid

By integrating AG Grid into our projects, We Write Code has been able to achieve remarkable results for our clients:

Enhanced Data Management: Clients can easily navigate, sort, and analyze their data, leading to better decision-making. For example, we implemented AG Grid for a financial services client, allowing their team to visualize complex data sets effortlessly.
Streamlined User Experience: The customizable features of AG Grid enable us to create intuitive user interfaces tailored to specific user needs. This has significantly improved user satisfaction and engagement for our clients.
Rapid Development: AG Grid’s extensive capabilities reduce development time. We can focus on other critical areas of the application, speeding up the overall project delivery without sacrificing quality.
Future-Proof Solutions: With AG Grid’s ongoing updates and features, our clients benefit from a robust and scalable solution that can grow alongside their business needs.

Spreadsheet showing additional customizable configuration options on sample financial data

Conclusion

AG Grid has proven to be a powerful tool helping We Write Code deliver value to our clients. By leveraging its capabilities, we’re not just providing a grid; we’re delivering a comprehensive data experience that empowers our clients to unlock their data’s full potential. As we continue to innovate and adapt, leveraging tools like AG Grid will remain a cornerstone of our development strategy, helping our clients thrive in an increasingly data-centric world.

If you're looking for a partner to enhance your data solutions, let’s talk about how We Write Code can leverage AG Grid to drive value for your business!

Image source: AG grid theme builder. AG Grid: High-Performance React Grid, Angular Grid, JavaScript Grid. (n.d.). https://www.ag-grid.com/theme-builder/

Igniting Data Potential with AG Grid