How to Sort a Table by Two Columns Using jQuery

Learn how to sort your HTML table by two columns with a simple jQuery function, ensuring data organization and readability.
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How to Sort a Table by Two Columns Using jQuery

Sorting tables based on multiple columns can significantly enhance the readability of your data presentation on the web. If you've ever faced a situation where a table sorts well by the first column but leaves the results jumbled when you add a second sorting criterion, you are not alone. In this guide, we will explore how to effectively sort a table by both the building name and building number using jQuery.

The Problem

Consider a basic HTML table that consists of two columns: building names and building numbers. After sorting the table by building name, the building numbers might not align in a meaningful order, resulting in chaos for users trying to navigate through the table. Below is a brief example of how this data might be structured:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You might currently have a function that sorts the table by the building name like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, when you attempt to sort by both columns using the snippet below, you find it does not work as intended:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

To sort the table by both the building name and building number, we can improve upon the existing jQuery function. Here's how you can accomplish this sorting effectively:

Step 1: Create a Helper Function

First, create a helper function that can retrieve the text from a specific cell in the table row.

Step 2: Collect and Sort Rows

Using the jQuery .get() method, extract the table row elements into an array and sort them by both the first and second columns. The sort function will first compare the values of the first column, and if they are equal (i.e., the comparison returns 0), it will then compare the second column:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the Code

The t(tr, i) function receives a table row and the index of the column and returns the text content of that cell.

The .get() method extracts the rows as an array, which is sorted using the .sort() method. The sorting operation compares values from the first column and, in cases where these values are identical, it compares the values from the second column.

Finally, the sorted table rows are appended back to the table body, ensuring they display in the correct order.

Conclusion

Sorting a table based on two columns not only helps in organizing data but also improves user experience by making navigation more intuitive. With a few simple modifications to your jQuery sorting code, you can effectively achieve this dual sorting capability. Enjoy implementing this solution in your projects, and elevate the functionality of your tabular data presentation.