=== TableCrafter – WordPress Data Tables & Dynamic Content Plugin ===
Contributors: fahdi
Tags: table, json, api, data table, datatables
Requires at least: 5.0
Tested up to: 6.9
Stable tag: 2.2.0
Requires PHP: 7.4
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html
Donate link: https://www.paypal.me/fahadmurtaza

Create dynamic, SEO-friendly HTML tables from any JSON API or file. Features native Gutenberg support, SSR, Live Search, and Pagination.

== 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, high-performance 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 and raw HTML tables. 

**Why choose TableCrafter?**

*   **⚡ High Performance:** Powered by **SSR (Server-Side Rendering)** and **SWR (Stale-While-Revalidate)** caching for sub-100ms load times.
*   **🔍 SEO-First:** Data is rendered in PHP, making every cell crawlable by search engines like Google.
*   **🧱 Gutenberg Ready:** Native WordPress block with a visual sidebar and live preview.
*   **📄 Smart Pagination:** Effortlessly navigate thousands of rows with built-in client-side pagination.
*   **⚡ Live Search:** Real-time filtering allows users to find data instantly as they type.
*   **🛡️ Hardened Security:** Built-in SSRF protection and strict authorization for all remote data operations.

### 💡 Powerful Use Cases

*   **Crypto & Finance:** Display live Bitcoin/ETH prices from CoinGecko or Binance.
*   **E-Commerce Stock:** Show real-time availability from external supplier feeds.
*   **Company Directories:** Visualize employee lists fetched from internal HR platforms.
*   **Live Metrics:** Show sales data, weather stats, or sports scores in real-time.

== Installation ==

1.  Search for **TableCrafter** in your WordPress dashboard or upload the folder to `/wp-content/plugins/`.
2.  Activate the plugin.
3.  Go to **TableCrafter** in your admin menu to preview a table or use the **TableCrafter Block** in the Gutenberg editor.
4.  Optionally use the shortcode: `[tablecrafter source="YOUR_JSON_URL"]`.

== Usage ==

The `[tablecrafter]` shortcode is highly flexible:

*   `source`: (Required) The URL to your JSON API or file.
*   `root`: (Optional) Path to the data array in the JSON response (e.g., `root="data.results"`).
*   `search`: (Optional) Toggle the live search bar (`true` or `false`).
*   `per_page`: (Optional) Number of rows to show per page (e.g., `per_page="10"`).
*   `include`: (Optional) Comma-separated list of keys you want to show.
*   `exclude`: (Optional) Comma-separated list of keys you want to hide.

### Examples:

**1. Live Search & Pagination**
Enable interactive features for a large dataset:

    [tablecrafter source="..." search="true" per_page="10"]

**2. Specific Root Path**
Connect to an API where results are nested:

    [tablecrafter source="..." root="items.list"]

**3. Specific Columns (Curated View)**
Limit data from heavy APIs:

    [tablecrafter source="..." include="name,price,symbol"]


### 🚀 Upgrade to Pro: Gravity Tables

Unlock the full potential of your data with **[Advanced Data Tables for Gravity Forms](https://checkout.freemius.com/plugin/20996/plan/35031/?trial=paid)** — the ultimate solution for managing Gravity Forms entries.

**Why Upgrade?**
*   ✏️ **Frontend Editing:** Let users update their own entries directly from the table.
*   🛡️ **Role-Based Permissions:** Control exactly who can view, edit, or delete data.
*   ⚡ **Bulk Actions:** Delete, approve, or modify hundreds of entries in one click.
*   🔍 **Advanced Filtering:** Logic-based filters, date ranges, and multi-select dropdowns.
*   🎨 **Conditional Formatting:** Highlight rows or cells based on their values (e.g., "Status = Overdue").
*   📥 **Pro Export:** Export filtered views to Excel, CSV, or PDF.
*   ♾️ **Unlimited Freedom:** No limits on tables, columns, or rows.

**[Start your 10-day free trial today!](https://checkout.freemius.com/plugin/20996/plan/35031/?trial=paid)**

### 🛠️ Custom Customization
Need a specific feature, a custom API integration, or a unique table layout? Contact me at **[info@fahdmurtaza.com](mailto:info@fahdmurtaza.com)** if you need to customise the plugin in any way for a fee. 


== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= Does this store data in my WordPress database? =
No. TableCrafter is a lightweight viewer. It fetches data dynamically and caches it temporarily (SWR) to keep your database clean and your site fast.

= How does the SWR caching work? =
TableCrafter serves "stale" (cached) data instantly while refreshing the source in the background. This ensures your tables load in milliseconds without waiting for slow third-party APIs.

= Is it secure? =
Yes. We implement SSRF protection to prevent access to internal networks and use strict WordPress capability checks for all proxy operations.

= Can I use this for password-protected APIs? =
The free version is designed for public or key-based APIs (where the key is in the URL). For advanced OAuth or header-based authentication, please check out the Pro version or contact us for a custom solution.

= How often does the data refresh? =
By default, TableCrafter uses Stale-While-Revalidate (SWR) caching. It serves cached data instantly and refreshes from the source in the background. You can control the cache duration via filters or wait for the Pro version which includes a visual cache manager.

= Is it possible to customize the table styling? =
Absolutely! TableCrafter uses standard HTML table structures. You can add your own CSS to your theme to override any styles. We also use CSS variables for many common properties like colors and padding.

= What if my API has CORS issues? =
TableCrafter includes a built-in Server-Side Proxy. When you use a remote URL as a source, the data is fetched by your server first, which completely bypasses any browser-based CORS restrictions.

= Do you offer custom development? =
Yes! If you need specific features, deep integrations, or custom designs, I am available for hire. Please contact me at **[info@fahdmurtaza.com](mailto:info@fahdmurtaza.com)** to discuss your project.

== Screenshots ==

1. **Gutenberg Block** - The native TableCrafter block with visual sidebar controls.
2. **Interactive Frontend** - A live table showing the search bar and pagination footer.
3. **Admin Dashboard** - The shortcode generator and preview playground.


== Changelog ==

= 2.2.1 =
*   **Docs:** Synchronized README.md and CHANGELOG.md with all recent engine upgrades and fixes.

= 2.2.0 =
*   **Docs:** Expanded the FAQ section with more common technical questions.
*   **Docs:** Converted contact email to a mailto link.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.3.0.

= 2.1.9 =
*   **Docs:** Added contact information for custom plugin customization requests.

= 2.1.8 =
*   **Fix:** Forced SVN refresh and updated Stable Tag to resolve WordPress.org display issues.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.7.

= 2.1.7 =
*   **Fix:** Updated Stable Tag to ensure changelog and updates are visible on WordPress.org.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.6.

= 2.1.6 =
*   **Hotfix:** Resolved a ReferenceError (container is not defined) in the multiselect filter logic.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.5.

= 2.1.5 =
*   **Hotfix:** Fixed a critical RangeError (Maximum call stack size exceeded) that occurred when initializing multiselect filters due to an infinite recursion loop.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.4.

= 2.1.4 =
*   **Demo Data:** Updated Sales Metrics year to 2026 for a better filtering experience.

= 2.1.3 =
*   **Fix:** Nuked legacy multiselect container styles that were causing inconsistent shadows and borders.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.3.

= 2.1.2 =
*   **UI:** Removed unnecessary container from Multiselect dropdowns for perfect DOM consistency with other filters.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.2.

= 2.1.1 =
*   **UI:** Perfected filter alignment and shadow behavior across all types.
*   **Consistency:** Removed redundant styles and unified height, padding, and focus effects.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.1.

= 2.1.0 =
*   **UI:** Refined dropdown filter styling to perfectly match standard text inputs. 
*   **Consistency:** Standardized height and focus states for all filter types.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.2.0.

= 2.0.9 =
*   **Fix:** Improved Date detection heuristic to prevent SKUs and common ID patterns from being incorrectly identified as Dates.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.9.

= 2.0.8 =
*   **UI:** Balanced 50/50 split for Range Filters (Min/Max) to utilize full field width.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.8.

= 2.0.7 =
*   **UI:** Compact horizontal layout for Range Filters (Min/Max/Date).
*   **Fix:** More robust dropdown interaction and cleanup.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.7.

= 2.0.6 =
*   **Fix:** Resolved issue where Dropdown Filters would not open or be clicked on small tables (Fixed Positioning).
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.6.

= 2.0.5 =
*   **Improvement:** Enhanced filter type detection to prevent Names/Emails from becoming dropdowns on small datasets.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.5.

= 2.0.4 =
*   **Fix:** Resolved filter type detection where numeric IDs were incorrectly treated as dates.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.4.

= 2.0.3 =
*   **CRITICAL UPDATE:** Fixed missing styles for filters (CSS was not deploying) and resolved "Invisible Table" bug on all platforms.
*   **Hotfix:** Added auto-discovery for inline array validation to prevent invisible tables in all contexts.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.3.

= 2.0.2 =
*   **Bug Fix:** Resolved "Invisible Table" issue by auto-discovering columns when none are provided.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.2.

= 2.0.1 =
*   **Bug Fix:** Resolved "Loading..." issue where data was not fetched automatically for URL sources.
*   **Fix:** Updated Admin Preview to use correct API initialization.
*   **Core:** Updated `tablecrafter-core` to v1.1.1.

= 2.0.0 =
*   **Engine Upgrade:** Unified plugin with `tablecrafter-core` 1.1.0 for improved stability and feature parity.
*   **New Feature:** Added Smart Hydration to prevent "loading flickers" on Server-Side Rendered (SSR) tables.
*   **Performance:** Background data fetching for smoother interactions.

= 1.9.2 =
*   **Performance:** Added intelligent debouncing to Live Search (300ms). Prevents UI freezing when typing rapidly, especially on large datasets.

= 1.9.1 =
*   **Performance:** Fixed API caching issue where the renderer ignored pre-warmed data. Now uses read-through caching for instant loads.
*   **Docs:** Added information about premium Gravity Tables addon.

= 1.9.0 =
* **Smart Nested Data Rendering:** Automatically handles Arrays and Objects. Nested items are now rendered as elegant tags or badges instead of `[object Object]`.
* **Plugin Rebranding:** Officially renamed to "TableCrafter – WordPress Data Tables & Dynamic Content Plugin" for better alignment with feature scope.

= 1.8.0 =
* **Custom Column Aliasing:** Rename headers directly in the shortcode using `include="key:My Label"` syntax.
* **Smart Export:** CSV exports now respect your custom column aliases.
* **Mobile Reflow:** Mobile card view now uses professional aliases for labels.

= 1.7.0 =
* **Smart Data Formatting:** Automatically detects and formats **Dates** (to locale string), **Booleans** (Yes/No badges), and **Emails** (mailto links).
* **UI Polish:** Added professional styles for Boolean badges and links.

= 1.6.0 =
* **Data Export:** Added toolbar with "Export to CSV" and "Copy to Clipboard" buttons.
* **Context-Aware:** Export features respect current search filters and column settings.
* **Settings:** New `export="true"` attribute for shortcode and Gutenberg block toggle.

= 1.5.1 =
* **Mobile-First Reflow:** Tables now intelligently transform into a "Card View" on small screens, eliminating the need for horizontal scrolling.
* **Semantic Accessibility:** Added `data-tc-label` attributes to ensure mobile views stay readable and data-heavy pages remain user-friendly.

= 1.5.0 =
* **Interactive Sorting:** Users can now click any column header to sort data in ascending or descending order.
* **Smart Sorting:** Logic automatically handles numeric, string, and alpha-numeric data types.
* **Visual Cues:** Added sort indicators (arrows) to table headers.
* **UX:** Sorting intelligently integrates with Pagination (resets to page 1) and Live Search (sorts filtered results).

= 1.4.1 =
* **Security Hardening:** Implemented SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery) protection to block proxying of internal network IPs.
* **Authorization:** Added explicit capability checks (`current_user_can`) to the AJAX data proxy.
* **Code Quality:** Added PHP return types and improved method documentation across the codebase.

= 1.4.0 =
* **Pagination Support:** Added client-side pagination for smoother navigation of large datasets.
* **Control UI:** New Pagination footer with Previous/Next controls.
* **Smart Search Integration:** Live Search now intelligently resets and works across paginated result sets.
* **Data Settings:** Added 'per_page' attribute to both shortcode and block sidebar.

= 1.3.1 =
* **Instant Filtering:** Added Live Search support for real-time dataset filtering.
* **UX:** Added search bar toggle in Gutenberg block and shortcode attribute.
* **Architecture:** Enhanced hybrid hydration to support interactive features immediately.

= 1.3.0 =
* **Gutenberg Ready:** Added native WordPress Block support with live preview.
* **UX:** New TableCrafter block includes a sidebar with all configuration options (Source, Root, Include/Exclude).
* **SSR Integration:** Blocks use the high-performance SSR engine and SWR caching for instant previews.

= 1.2.2 =
* **Deep Connectivity:** Added 'root' attribute to support nested JSON structures. 
* **Compatibility:** Now supports APIs that wrap data (e.g., WordPress REST, Shopify, etc.).
* **Hybrid Sync:** Updated JS library to handle nested roots in preview and manual fetch modes.

= 1.2.1 =
* **Instant TTFB:** Implemented Stale-While-Revalidate (SWR) caching logic.
* **Resilience:** Systems now serve stale data while refreshing in the background, ensuring tables load instantly even if APIs are slow.
* **Smart Refresh:** Added non-blocking background refresh via WP-Cron/WP-Events.

= 1.2.0 =
* Major: Implemented Server-Side Rendering (SSR) Engine for instant page loads and SEO optimization.
* Feat: Added smart link and image detection in PHP to match frontend library.
* Feat: Integrated transient-based caching (1-hour) for rendered HTML fragments.
* Optimized: Balanced Hybrid loading - tables render on server, JS adds interactivity.

= 1.1.2 =
* Docs: Significantly expanded shortcode documentation with detailed attribute descriptions and examples.

= 1.1.1 =
* **Precision Curation:** Added the ability to include/exclude specific columns for cleaner tables.
* **Visual Tables:** Added automatic rendering for images, logos, and links.
* **Hardened Security:** Implemented advanced security filters for safer data handling.

= 1.1.0 =
* Feat: Added Server-Side Proxy to bypass CORS restrictions.
* Feat: Added Automated Background Cache Warming via WP-Cron.
* Feat: Added WP-CLI support for cache management.

= 1.0.1 =
* Refactored script handling for full WP.org directory compliance.
* Moved all inline JavaScript to external files.

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

== Upgrade Notice ==

= 1.9.0 =
New Feature: You can now display tags and categories from nested JSON arrays! Plugin has been renamed for clarity.

= 1.8.0 =
Customize your table headers like a pro with new aliasing syntax: `include="id:Customer ID"`.

= 1.7.0 =
UX Update: Tables now look professional out-of-the-box with auto-formatting for Dates, Emails, and Statuses.

= 1.6.0 =
Feature Update: Adds Data Export tools (CSV/Clipboard) for users. Highly recommended.

= 1.5.1 =
Performance Update: Significantly improves mobile readability with a new Reflow layout. Highly recommended.

= 1.5.0 =
Major Update: Adds Interactive Column Sorting for better data analysis. Highly recommended.

= 1.4.1 =
Security Update: Hardens the data proxy against SSRF and unauthorized access. Highly recommended for all users.

= 1.4.0 =
Major Update: Adds Pagination support for better handling of large datasets. Recommended for all users.

= 1.3.1 =
Performance Update: Now includes Live Search for instant table filtering.

= 1.3.0 =
Gutenberg Update: tablecrafter is now a native WordPress block! You can now add and configure tables directly in the Block Editor.

= 1.2.2 =
Feature Update: Adds JSON root path support for better API compatibility.

= 1.2.1 =
Performance Update: Adds Stale-While-Revalidate caching for even faster page loads.

= 1.2.0 =
Major Update: TableCrafter now renders tables server-side! This improves SEO and eliminates the "Loading" flicker.