Should the grid be displayed if it is empty?

Question

We are developing a new desktop application for a client who currently uses about 20 or so grids in various forms in the application.

I do not think that the context of our application is relevant, but in order to give a complete picture, the client sells vehicles, and the contents of the grid tend to be such as “Vehicle Inspections” or “Repair on this vehicle.”

Developers are largely divided between showing an empty grid if there is no data or, alternatively, hide the grid and put a text saying "No checks for this vehicle", etc.

What is the best practice? An empty grid or text?

Answer 1

It’s better to show the headings of the grid and under it a label with the inscription " No records ".

Answer 2

I would show the text or, preferably, both

If you are using C # ASP.NET, Gridview has an EmptyDataText property that shows an element that looks like a grid but displays your message

The only bad thing showing an empty grid is that some people who are looking at the data may not realize that the page is fully loaded and that there are no results. Therefore, it is better to be safe and give them a message.

Answer 3

Definitely not showing an empty grid. It’s better to always show the message.

Answer 4

I would go for an empty grid, but this is a difficult challenge. The reason this tough decision is because none of the options has strong arguments, which means that arguing over them is not so important.

Answer 5

In our vehicle application, we hide the grid and show a message if there is no data to display.

However, my only advice is to be consistent. Choose a method and stick to it in your application.

Your users will appreciate it significantly that will ever be in your way.

Answer 6

I think it’s best to have the grid noticeably “gray” with the text mentioned above (read, of course).

This will give the user an idea of ​​what they would see if there was some data, preventing them from thinking that the request is still running or that the data for some reason does not appear.

Answer 7

It depends on the circumstances. In most cases, it’s better to show some kind of message indicating that there is no data.

If you see a value for the user, knowing what the interface would be, then a good alternative is to show only the grid with headers and display a message in it explaining that there is no data.

Answer 8

Show the grid so that the user interface maintains a constant perception, but make sure that there is a message in the grid that indicates that the search is completed and the recordings are not recorded.

This retains the habit for the user, still giving them a signal that the form is not yet being processed.