The major difference in the available JavaScript components is that most are small and contain only one or two different components. If you plan on just using a grid for a project, there are many good choices out there. Some of the better known smaller JavaScript component libraries for grids are jqGrid and SlickGrid.

Surprisingly, I have found that DHTMLX's grid has more options than even the single libraries specializing in grids. Also, one must be careful of choosing a standalone library, as the documentation and maturity can sometimes be an issue.

What about the more robust component libraries?

One of DHTMLX's comparable libraries is Sencha Ext JS . They both aim to give the developer the tools needed to build rich desktop-like applications in a web environment. They also provide both a free version as well as a paid version which includes support.

The major difference between these two component libraries is their documentation and coding structure. Sencha Ext JS has a very granular documentation that, when learned, is very beneficial. DHTMLX has a straight to the point list of available methods and events which are available for each component.

Today, more and more web designers want to make applications. These designers have a better understanding of a customer's needs and how to create a more user-friendly application. These designers may not have an in-depth understanding of programming and documentation. DHTMLX caters toward this very well.

Let's get familiar with some of the components that DHTMLX has to offer and go over exactly what a component is.

A component in DHTMLX is a JavaScript object that is used to present and allow interaction of data to the end user in a clean and efficient manner. DHTMLX does all of the heavy lifting by creating the HTML in a presentable layout that is cross-browser friendly.

What is also important about a component is that they can be used together in a combination of components or separately in a block-level DOM element.

DHTMLX offers the following components:

DHTMLX also provides an online skin builder and a Visual Designer tool. The skin builder allows for editing the CSS of a current skin or downloading one of the many existing skins. For our application, we will use the default "Blue Sky" skin.

The Visual Designer tool is a graphical user interface that allows a user to create code without having to actually write it. This is free, and is available on the DHTMLX website.