# TableCrafter – JSON Data Tables & API Data Viewer

**Contributors:** fahdi
**Tags:** table, json, api, dynamic table, datatables
**Requires at least:** 5.0
**Tested up to:** 6.9
**Stable tag:** 1.0.1
**Requires PHP:** 7.4
**License:** GPLv2 or later
**License URI:** https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Create dynamic, responsive HTML tables from any JSON API or file. A lightweight, no-code alternative to complex table plugins.

## Description

**TableCrafter** is the ultimate lightweight solution for displaying dynamic data in WordPress. 

Unlike heavy table builders that bloat your database, TableCrafter acts as a direct window to your data. Connect to any external API or JSON file, and we'll render a beautiful, responsive table instantly. 

We fill the gap between complex, expensive plugins like *wpDataTables/TablePress* and raw HTML tables. 

**Why choose TableCrafter?**
*   **🏎️ Blazing Fast:** Zero database bloat. Data is fetched on-the-fly via JavaScript.
*   **🔗 Dynamic & Live:** Perfect for financial data, stock tickers, crypto prices, or live inventory that changes every minute.
*   **📱 Mobile Ready:** Automatically responsive tables that look great on phones.
*   **🛠️ Zero Config:** Smart column detection means you just paste a URL, and we handle the rest.

### 🚀 Key Features

*   **Universal JSON Support:** Works with any public API or `.json` file.
*   **Smart Auto-Formatting:** Automatically detects headers and formats data intelligently.
*   **Live Admin Preview:** Test your API endpoints directly in the customized dashboard.
*   **Developer Friendly:** Vanilla JavaScript core with no jQuery dependencies.

### 💡 Powerful Use Cases

*   **Crypto & Finance Portals:** Display live Bitcoin/ETH prices from CoinGecko or Binance APIs.
*   **Company Intranets:** Show employee directories fetched from your internal HR systems.
*   **E-Commerce Stock:** Display real-time product availability from external suppliers.
*   **Open Data Projects:** Visualize government datasets, weather data, or sports statistics.
*   **Affiliate Marketers:** Create dynamic comparison tables that auto-update from a central JSON feed.

### ⚡ TableCrafter vs. The Giants

| Feature | TableCrafter | TablePress / wpDataTables |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Primary Data Source** | JSON / API (Dynamic) | Manual Entry / SQL / Excel |
| **Setup Time** | < 1 Minute | 10-30 Minutes |
| **Database Impact** | None (Zero Bloat) | High (Stores data in WP DB) |
| **Performance** | Instant Client-Side | Server-Side Heavy |
| **Cost** | 100% Free | Freemium / Expensive |

If you need a static table you edit manually, use TablePress. If you need a **live, dynamic data view** from an API, **TableCrafter is the only tool you need.**

## Installation

1.  Upload the `tablecrafter` folder to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
2.  Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress.
3.  Navigate to the **TableCrafter** admin menu.
4.  Paste your JSON URL to generate a shortcode.
5.  Add `[tablecrafter source="YOUR_URL"]` to any page.

## Usage

**Basic Shortcode:**
`[tablecrafter source="https://api.coingecko.com/api/v3/coins/markets?vs_currency=usd"]`

**With Custom ID:**
`[tablecrafter source="..." id="my-crypto-table"]`

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does this store data in my WordPress database?
No! That's the beauty of TableCrafter. It's a lightweight *viewer*. Your data stays in the JSON source, keeping your WordPress site fast and your database clean.

### My API has Cross-Origin (CORS) errors. What do I do?
TableCrafter runs in the browser, so your API must allow requests from your website domain. Most public APIs allow this. If you control the API, simple add `Access-Control-Allow-Origin: *` to your headers.

### Can I use this for CSV files?
TableCrafter is optimized for the modern web (JSON). However, we are exploring CSV support for future versions. For now, we recommend converting CSV to JSON for the best performance.

## Screenshots

### 1. Admin Dashboard Preview
The TableCrafter settings panel with live preview functionality. Enter any JSON URL (or select from demo URLs) and see your data rendered instantly in the WordPress admin.

![Admin Dashboard Preview](screenshot-1.png)

### 2. Frontend Table Display
A clean, responsive data table as it appears on your website. Automatically formatted and mobile-friendly.

![Frontend Table Display](screenshot-2.png)

## Changelog
 
### 1.0.1
* Refactored script handling for full WP.org directory compliance.
* Moved all inline JavaScript to external files.
* Implemented wp_localize_script for safer data handling in admin.
* Optimized shortcode renderer to eliminate inline JS injection.

### 1.0.0
*   Initial release.
*   Added live admin previewer.
*   Released smart column detection.