Ryosuke Yano

Posted on Jun 19, 2023

ExtJS for Beginners

Introduction

I started to learn about ExtJS, and I felt it can build really powerful Web Applications. ExtJS, a popular JavaScript framework, offers a comprehensive set of tools and components for building feature-rich web applications. In this article, we'll explore ExtJS for beginners, introducing its key concepts, advantages, and how to get started with this powerful framework.

What is ExtJS?

ExtJS is a JavaScript framework that allows developers to build dynamic and responsive web applications. It provides a robust set of UI components, data handling mechanisms, and a powerful event-driven architecture. ExtJS simplifies complex tasks such as data binding, form handling, and user interactions, enabling developers to create sophisticated applications with ease.

Key Concepts in ExtJS

1. Component-based Architecture

ExtJS follows a component-based architecture, where each user interface element is represented as a reusable and self-contained component. Components can be nested within each other, creating a hierarchy of building blocks to construct the application.

Ext.create('Ext.panel.Panel', {
  title: 'My Panel',
  width: 400,
  height: 200,
  renderTo: Ext.getBody(),
  items: [{
    xtype: 'button',
    text: 'Click Me'
  }]
});

2. Data Model and Stores

ExtJS provides a data model and storage system that simplifies data handling and manipulation. The data model represents the structure of the data, while stores manage the data's lifecycle, including loading, sorting, filtering, and saving.

Ext.create('Ext.panel.Panel', {
  layout: 'hbox',
  items: [{
    xtype: 'panel',
    html: 'Panel 1',
    flex: 1
  }, {
    xtype: 'panel',
    html: 'Panel 2',
    flex: 2
  }]
});

3. Layout Management

ExtJS offers a powerful layout management system, allowing developers to define the positioning and sizing of components within the application's viewport. It provides various layout types, including hbox, vbox, and anchor layouts, to create flexible and responsive designs.

Ext.create('Ext.panel.Panel', {
  layout: 'hbox',
  items: [{
    xtype: 'panel',
    html: 'Panel 1',
    flex: 1
  }, {
    xtype: 'panel',
    html: 'Panel 2',
    flex: 2
  }]
});

4. Event-driven Programming

ExtJS leverages an event-driven programming model, where components can listen and react to various events triggered by user interactions or system events. This enables developers to build interactive and responsive applications that respond to user actions in real-time.

var button = Ext.create('Ext.Button', {
  text: 'Click Me',
  renderTo: Ext.getBody(),
  listeners: {
    click: function() {
      console.log('Button clicked!');
    }
  }
});

Advantages of ExtJS

1. Rich UI Components

ExtJS offers a vast library of pre-built UI components, ranging from simple buttons and forms to advanced grids, charts, and tree views. These components are highly customizable and provide a consistent look and feel across different browsers and devices.

2. Extensive Documentation and Support

ExtJS provides comprehensive documentation, guides,
and examples, making it easier for beginners to get started and learn the framework. The active community and support forums offer assistance and share valuable insights, fostering a collaborative environment.

3. Cross-browser Compatibility

ExtJS is designed to work seamlessly across various web browsers, ensuring consistent functionality and appearance. Developers can focus on building their applications without worrying about browser-specific issues.

Getting Started with ExtJS:

1. Installation

Start by downloading the ExtJS framework from the official website. Extract the files and include the necessary JavaScript and CSS files in your project.

2. Basic Application Structure

Create a basic HTML file that includes the required ExtJS dependencies and sets up a container element to hold your application.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="path/to/extjs/theme.css">
  <script type="text/javascript" src="path/to/extjs/ext.js"></script>
  <script type="text/javascript">
    Ext.onReady(function() {
      // Your application code here
    });
  </script>
</head>
<body>
  <div id="app-container"></div>
</body>
</html>

3. Building Components

Begin by creating simple components, such as buttons and forms, and gradually expand to more complex components like grids and charts. Utilize ExtJS's extensive documentation and examples to understand component configuration and usage.

Ext.create('Ext.Button', {
  text: 'Click Me',
  renderTo: 'app-container',
  handler: function() {
    Ext.Msg.alert('Button Clicked', 'You clicked the button!');
  }
});

4. Handling Data

Explore ExtJS's data model and store system to manage data within your application. Use stores to load and manipulate data from various sources, such as APIs or local storage.

var store = Ext.create('Ext.data.Store', {
  fields: ['name', 'email'],
  data: [
    { name: 'John Doe', email: 'john@example.com' },
    { name: 'Jane Smith', email: 'jane@example.com' }
  ]
});

Ext.create('Ext.grid.Panel', {
  title: 'User List',
  store: store,
  columns: [
    { text: 'Name', dataIndex: 'name' },
    { text: 'Email', dataIndex: 'email' }
  ],
  renderTo: 'app-container'
});

Conclusion

ExtJS is a powerful JavaScript framework that empowers developers to build robust and visually appealing web applications. With its extensive set of UI components, data handling mechanisms, and event-driven architecture, ExtJS simplifies the process of creating feature-rich user interfaces. By following the provided resources and exploring the framework's capabilities, beginners can unlock the potential of ExtJS and embark on a journey to build impressive web applications.

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