WebExpress 0.0.10-alpha – The REST APIs as the Foundation of the Table Architecture

Tables in WebExpress are far more than simple display tools. They form a dynamic, modular and fully API‑driven interface that can be integrated flexibly into any website. Their essential design principle is the strict separation of data and layout. While the layout defines how a table looks and which interactions are possible, all content and structural descriptions come from the REST API.

When a dynamic table is loaded, WebExpress calls the table REST API and receives both the table data and the metadata that define its structure. This metadata contains templates that specify how individual cells are displayed and edited. A template describes the visual representation, the type of interaction and the logic applied during editing. This keeps the table fully flexible, because the layout can change without requiring any modification to the underlying data. Column configuration is also managed through the API and can be adjusted dynamically without altering the layout itself.

The interaction options within a table are diverse. Each row can be equipped with actions defined in the metadata, which appear as dropdown menus. These actions can open external URLs or launch modular forms. Remote forms are particularly flexible, as their structure is defined as HTML. They can be embedded directly into the page or displayed as a modal window. When a remote form is opened modally, it appears as an overlay on top of the current page without requiring a full re-render. The associated data is loaded through the CRUD REST API and automatically synchronized with the form fields. This keeps the presentation fully decoupled from data storage, significantly improving maintainability and extensibility.

In addition to forms, WebExpress also supports inline editing directly within the table grid. Users can edit individual cells immediately without opening a separate form. As soon as a change is confirmed, the CRUD REST API processes the update and ensures data consistency. Inline editing integrates seamlessly into the overall concept and turns tables into an intuitive and efficient working tool.

The two REST interfaces, the table REST API and the CRUD REST API, form the central backbone of the entire table logic. They ensure the strict separation of data and layout and guarantee that every table remains flexible, modular and maintainable in the long term. Through this architecture, tables in WebExpress become powerful and interactive components suitable for both simple lists and complex administrative interfaces. They combine dynamic data retrieval, modular extensibility and a clear separation of presentation and logic into a modern, robust and future‑proof system.

For this system to continue growing and reach its full potential, WebExpress depends on an active community. Every idea, improvement and contribution helps make the platform more accessible, more powerful and more versatile. Anyone who feels inspired to participate, whether through feedback, documentation, new modules or custom extensions, is warmly invited to join this development and help shape the future of WebExpress together with us.