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## 6.37. < rich:column >

### 6.37.1. Description

The component for row rendering for a UIData component.

Figure 6.55. <rich:column> component

### 6.37.2. Key Features

- Completely skinned table rows and child elements

- Possibility to combine columns with the help of "colspan"

- Possibility to combine rows with the help of "rowspan" and "breakBefore"

- Sorting column values

- Filtering column values

Table 6.145. rich : column attributes

Attribute Name | Description
--- | ---
binding | The attribute takes a value-binding expression for a component property of a backing bean
breakBefore | if "true" next column begins from the first row
colspan | Corresponds to the HTML colspan attribute
comparator | Defines value binding to the comparator that is used to compare the values
dir | Direction indication for text that does not inherit directionality. Valid values are "LTR" (left-to-right) and "RTL" (right-to-left)
filterBy | Defines iterable object property which is used when filtering performed.
filterEvent | Event for filter input that forces the filtration (default value is "onchange")
filterExpression | Attribute defines a bean property which is used for filtering of a column
filterMethod | This attribute is defined with method binding. This method accepts on Object parameter and return boolean value
filterValue | Defines current filtering value
footerClass | Space-separated list of CSS style class(es) that are be applied to any footer generated for this table
headerClass | Space-separated list of CSS style class(es) that are be applied to any header generated for this table
id | Every component may have a unique id that is automatically created if omitted
label | Column label for drag indicator. Usable only for extendedDataTable component
lang | Code describing the language used in the generated markup for this component
rendered | If "false", this component is not rendered
rowspan | Corresponds to the HTML rowspan attribute
selfSorted | Manages if the header of the column is clickable, icons rendered and sorting is fired after click on the header. You need to define this attribute inside <rich:dataTable> component. Default value is "true"
sortable | Boolean attribute. If "true" it's possible to sort the column content after click on the header. Default value is "true"
sortBy | Defines a bean property which is used for sorting of a column. This attribute used with <rich:dataTable>
sortExpression | Defines a bean property which is used for sorting of a column and used only with <rich:scrollableDataTable>.
sortIcon | Defines sort icon. The value for the attribute is context related.
sortIconAscending | Defines sort icon for ascending order. The value for the attribute is context related.
sortIconDescending | Defines sort icon for descending order. The value for the attribute is context related.
sortOrder | SortOrder is an enumeration of the possible sort orderings. Default value is "UNSORTED"
style | CSS style(s) is/are to be applied when this component is rendered
styleClass | Corresponds to the HTML class attribute
title | Advisory title information about markup elements generated for this component
visible | The attribute is used to define whether the component is visible or not. The default value is "true".
width | Attribute defines width of column.

Table 6.146. Component identification parameters

Name | Value
--- | ---
component-type | org.richfaces.Column
component-class | org.richfaces.component.html.HtmlColumn
component-family | org.richfaces.Column
renderer-type | org.richfaces.ColumnRenderer
tag-class | org.richfaces.taglib.ColumnTag

### 6.37.3. Creating the Component with a Page Tag

To create the simplest variant of column on a page, use the following syntax:

Example:

    ...

        <rich:dataTable var="set">

            <rich:column>

                <h:outputText value="#{set.property1}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <!--Set of another columns and header/footer facets-->

        </rich:dataTable>

    ...

### 6.37.4. Creating the Component Dynamically Using Java

Example:

    import org.richfaces.component.html.HtmlColumn;

    ...

    HtmlColumn myColumn = new HtmlColumn();

    ...

### 6.37.5. Details of Usage

To output a simple table, the <rich:column> component is used the same way as the standard <h:column> , i.e. the following code on a page is used:

Example:

    ...

        <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" rows="5">

            <rich:column>

                <f:facet name="header">State Flag</f:facet>

                <h:graphicImage value="#{cap.stateFlag}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column>

                <f:facet name="header">State Name</f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column >

                <f:facet name="header">State Capital</f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column>

            <f:facet name="header">Time Zone</f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.timeZone}"/>

            </rich:column>

        </rich:dataTable>

    ...

The result is:

Figure 6.56. Generated <rich:column> component

Now, in order to group columns with text information into one row in one column with a flag, use the "colspan" attribute, which is similar to an HTML one, specifying that the first column contains 3 columns. In addition, it's necessary to specify that the next column begins from the first row with the help of the `breakBefore="true"`.

Example:

    ...

         <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" rows="5">

            <rich:column colspan="3">

                <h:graphicImage value="#{cap.stateFlag}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column breakBefore="true">

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column >

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.timeZone}"/>

            </rich:column>

        </rich:dataTable>

    ...

As a result the following structure is rendered:

Figure 6.57. <rich:column> modified with "colspan" and "breakbefore" attributes

The same way is used for columns grouping with the "rowspan" attribute that is similar to an HTML one responsible for rows quantity definition occupied with the current one. The only thing to add in the example is an instruction to move onto the next row for each next after the second column.

Example:

    ...

        <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" rows="5">

            <rich:column rowspan="3">

                <f:facet name="header">State Flag</f:facet>

                <h:graphicImage value="#{cap.stateFlag}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column>

                <f:facet name="header">State Info</f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column breakBefore="true">

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column breakBefore="true">

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.timeZone}"/>

            </rich:column>

        </rich:dataTable>

    ...

As a result:

Figure 6.58. <rich:column> generated with "rowspan" attribute

Hence, additionally to a standard output of a particular row provided with the <h:column> component, it becomes possible to group easily the rows with special HTML attribute.

The columns also could be grouped in a particular way with the help of the <h:columnGroup> component that is described in the following chapter.

In the Dynamic Columns Wiki article you can find additional information about dynamic columns.

### 6.37.6. Sorting and Filtering

#### 6.37.6.1. Sorting

In order to sort the columns you should use "sortBy" attribute that indicates what values to be sorted.This attribute can be used only with the <rich:dataTable> component. In order to sort the column you should click on its header. See the following example.

Example:

    ...

    <h:form>

        <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" width="300px">

            <f:facet name="header">

                <h:outputText value="Sorting Example"/>

            </f:facet>

            <rich:column sortBy="#{cap.state}">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText value="State Name"/>

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column sortBy="#{cap.name}">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText value="State Capital"/>

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

            </rich:column>

        </rich:dataTable>

    </h:form>

    ...

This is result:

Figure 6.59. <rich:column> with "sortBy" attribute

The "sortExpression" attribute defines a bean property which is used for sorting of a column. This attribute can be used only with the <rich:scrollableDataTable> component. The following example is a example of the attribute usage.

Example:

    ...

    <rich:scrollableDataTable id="carList"

            value="#{dataTableScrollerBean.allCars}" sortMode="single"

            binding="#{dataTableScrollerBean.table}">

            <rich:column id="make" sortExpression="#{cap.make}">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText styleClass="headerText" value="Make" />

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{category.make}" />

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column id="model">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText styleClass="headerText" value="Model" />

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{category.model}" />

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column id="price">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText styleClass="headerText" value="Price" />

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{category.price}" />

            </rich:column>

    </rich:scrollableDataTable>

    ...

The "selfSorted" attribute that would add the possibility of automatic sorting by clicking the column header. Default value is "true". In the example below the second column is unavailable for sorting.

Example:

    ...

    <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap">

            <rich:column>

                    <f:facet name="header">

                            <h:outputText value="State Flag"/>

                    </f:facet>

                    <h:graphicImage value="#{cap.stateFlag}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column sortBy="#{cap.state}" selfSorted="false">

                    <f:facet name="header">

                            <h:outputText value="State Name"/>

                    </f:facet>

                    <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

    </rich:dataTable>

    ...

"sortOrder" attribute is used for changing the sorting of columns by means of external controls.

Possible values are:

- "ASCENDING" - column is sorted in ascending

- "DESCENDING" - column is sorted in descending

- "UNSORTED" - column isn't sorted

Example:

    ...

    <h:form>

        <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" width="300px">

            <f:facet name="header">

                <h:outputText value="Sorting Example"/>

            </f:facet>

            <rich:column sortBy="#{cap.state}" sortOrder="ASCENDING">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText value="State Name"/>

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

            </rich:column>

            <rich:column sortBy="#{cap.name}" sortOrder="DESCENDING">

                <f:facet name="header">

                    <h:outputText value="State Capital"/>

                </f:facet>

                <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

            </rich:column>

        </rich:dataTable>

    </h:form>

    ...

Below you can see the result:

Figure 6.60. <rich:column> with "sortOrder" attribute

In the example above the first column is sorted in descending order. But if recurring rows appear in the table the relative second column are sorted in ascending order.

You can customize the sorting's icon element using "rich-sort-icon" class.

## Note

In order to sort a column with the values not in English you can add the `org.richfaces.datatableUsesViewLocale` context parameter in your web.xml. Its value should be "true".

## Note:

The "sortBy" and the "selfSorted" attributes used with the <rich:dataTable> component. Also the "selfSorted" can be used with the <rich:extendedDataTable> .

The "sortable" and the "sortExpression" attributes used with the <rich:scrollableDataTable> component.

#### 6.37.6.2. Filtering

There are two ways to filter the column value:

- Using built-in filtering. It uses `startsWith()` function to make filtering. In this case you need to define "filterBy" attribute at column you want to be filterable. This attribute defines iterable object property which is used when filtering performed.

  The "filterValue" attribute is used to get or change current filtering value. It could be defined with initial filtering value on the page or as value binding to get/change it on server. If the "filterValue" attribute isn't empty from the beginning table is filtered on the first rendering.

  You can customize the input form using "rich-filter-input" CSS class.

  In order to change filter event you could use "filterEvent" attribute on column, e.g. "onblur"(default value).

  Below you can see the example:

  Example:

      ...

      <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" width="500px">

              <rich:column filterBy="#{cap.state}" filterValue="#{filterName.filterBean}" filterEvent="onkeyup">

                      <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}"/>

              </rich:column>

              <rich:column filterBy="#{cap.name}" filterEvent="onkeyup">

                      <h:outputText value="#{cap.name}"/>

              </rich:column>

      </rich:dataTable>

      ...

  This is the result:

  Figure 6.61. Built-in filtering feature usage

- Using external filtering. In this case you need to write your custom filtering function or expression and define controls.

  The "filterExpression" attribute is used to define expression evaluated to boolean value. This expression checks if the object satisfies filtering condition.

  The "filterMethod" attribute is defined with method binding. This method accepts on Object parameter and return boolean value. So, this method also could be used to check if the object satisfies filtering condition. The usage of this attribute is the best way for implementing your own complex business logic.

  See the following example:

  Example:

      ...

      <rich:dataTable value="#{capitalsBean.capitals}" var="cap" id="table">

              <rich:column filterMethod="#{filteringBean.filterStates}">

                      <f:facet name="header">

                              <h:inputText value="#{filteringBean.filterValue}" id="input">

                                      <a4j:support event="onkeyup" reRender="table"

                                                           ignoreDupResponses="true" requestDelay="700" focus="input" />

                              </h:inputText>

                      </f:facet>

                      <h:outputText value="#{cap.state}" />

              </rich:column>

              <rich:column filterExpression="#{fn:containsIgnoreCase(cap.timeZone, filteringBean.filterZone)}">

                      <f:facet name="header">

                              <h:selectOneMenu value="#{filteringBean.filterZone}">

                                      <f:selectItems value="#{filteringBean.filterZones}" />

                                      <a4j:support event="onchange" reRender="table" />

                              </h:selectOneMenu>

                      </f:facet>

                      <h:outputText value="#{cap.timeZone}" />

              </rich:column>

      </rich:dataTable>

      ...

### 6.37.7. Facets

Table 6.147. Facets

Facet name | Description
--- | ---
header | Defines the header content
footer | Defines the footer content

### 6.37.8. Look-and-Feel Customization

For skinnability implementation, the components use a style class redefinition method. Default style classes are mapped on skin parameters.

There are two ways to redefine the appearance of all <rich:column> components at once:

- Redefine the corresponding skin parameters

- Add to your style sheets style classes used by a <rich:column> component

### 6.37.9. Skin Parameters Redefinition

Skin parameters redefinition for <rich:column> are the same as for the <rich:dataTable> component.

### 6.37.10. Definition of Custom Style Classes

Custom style classes for <rich:column> are the same as for the <rich:dataTable> component.

In order to redefine styles for all <rich:column> components on a page using CSS, it's enough to create classes with the same names (possible classes could be found in the tables above) and define necessary properties in them.

Example:

    ...

    .rich-table-cell{

            font-style: italic;

    }

    ...

This is a result:

Figure 6.62. Redefinition styles with predefined classes

In the example cells font style was changed.

Also it's possible to change styles of particular <rich:column> component. In this case you should create own style classes and use them in corresponding <rich:column> styleClass attributes. An example is placed below:

Example:

    ...

    .myClass{

            font-weight: bolder;

    }

    ...

The "styleClass" attribute for <rich:column> is defined as it's shown in the example below:

Example:

    <rich:column styleClass="myClass">

This is a result:

Figure 6.63. Redefinition styles with own classes and styleClass attributes

As it could be seen on the picture above, the font weight for second column was changed.

### 6.37.11. Relevant Resources Links

Vizit Column page at RichFaces live demo for examples of component usage and their sources.

" Using the "rendered" attribute of <rich:column>" article in RichFaces cookbook at JBoss portal gives an example of code of the component usage case.

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