How to Implement Pagination in AngularJS: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Web development pagination is the organizational system for dividing content into multiple pages to provide users with structured browsing options. Pagination divides the complete content into different sections rather than displaying it in one lengthy web page.

The method appears extensively on websites to enhance user experience in cases where websites contain large amounts of data or content. The majority of pagination examples can be observed on search engine interfaces including Google. Users who fail to locate their search on page 1 can more quickly find it by browsing additional pages. 

The implementation of pagination serves as both an enhancement for operational speed and a strategic approach to better user satisfaction. It serves as a link between users and information, facilitating convenient and efficient data interaction. Grasping and utilizing the tool properly can be essential for a successful web project. 

• Enhanced performance
• User comfort
• SEO and Marketing
• Adaptability and flexibility

A software engineering course can help you master essential concepts like pagination in AngularJS. Before we delve into understanding the workings of pagination in AngularJS and how to implement pagination in angularJS, let's approach this gradually and start by talking about Angular JS and pagination broadly.

Understanding Pagination in AngularJS

Pagination is a method employed to break down extensive datasets into smaller, manageable "pages," enabling applications to fetch and show data in segments, greatly enhancing performance and user experience by avoiding system overload from excessive information all at once; in essence, it allows users to browse through large datasets without flooding the server or client with data request burdens.

The process of dividing extensive datasets into manageable web pages by using pagination proves fundamental for system performance because it reduces server-client workload; through this method, users can efficiently navigate large datasets with a single server request.

The AngularJS data rendering method relies on its two-way data binding mechanism combined with directives based on ng-repeat. The binding method enables the UI to refresh automatically whenever the data model changes along with a reverse effect. The system achieves automatic updates because both view refreshes instantly after base data changes and user interaction triggers model updates.

• Two-way Data Binding: AngularJS synchronizes the data model with the view. When data is altered in the model, it instantly updates in the view. Similarly, when the user modifies any aspect of the view, it is mirrored in the model.
• Directives such as ng-repeat: When displaying data lists, AngularJS utilizes the ng-repeat directive. It iterates through an array or object and generates an HTML element for each item. 

When managing extensive datasets, displaying all the information simultaneously may cause performance problems. This is the point at which pagination is essential. Pagination divides extensive datasets into smaller sections, retrieving only a restricted number of items at once. AngularJS for web development can manage pagination through these methods: 

• Utilizing ng-repeat with pagination logic: You can develop tailored pagination logic to control which data subset is displayed. 
• Employing AngularJS Pagination Libraries: Libraries such as angular-ui-bootstrap offer pre-built pagination components. These libraries simplify the addition of pagination features to your application, eliminating the need to manually code the logic.

AngularJS manages data display through two-way data binding and directives such as ng-repeat. Pagination is essential when handling extensive datasets, and it may be executed either on the client side or on the server side for improved performance.

Also Read: AngularJS Interview Questions & Answers

Methods to Implement Pagination in AngularJS

In AngularJS, various well-known modules and directives exist to assist developers in effectively implementing pagination. These modules frequently offer valuable functionalities such as sorting, filtering, and controlling page states, simplifying the management of pagination. Among the most commonly utilized ones are: 

• angular-ui-bootstrap: A well-known library that offers Bootstrap components as AngularJS directives, featuring a pagination component. 
• ngTable: A versatile and robust table directive for AngularJS that offers pagination among its functionalities. 
• ngInfiniteScroll: A directive designed for infinite scrolling, allowing data to be loaded as the user scrolls down instead of using conventional pagination. 
• ng-pagination: An easy pagination directive for AngularJS that allows for the straightforward creation of pagination controls. 
• angular-smart-table: A clever table directive for AngularJS that provides pagination, along with sorting, filtering, and customizable row actions. 
• angular-pagination: A simple pagination module for AngularJS designed to generate pagination controls for presenting extensive datasets across several pages. 
• angular-paginator: A compact AngularJS pagination module that facilitates pagination setup with minimal configuration needed.
• ng-bootstrap: A collection of AngularJS directives that offer native Bootstrap elements for AngularJS, which includes a pagination component. 

Also Read: AngularJS Demo Project: A Comprehensive Guide to Building Your First AngularJS Application

Step-by-Step Guide: Implementing Pagination Using dirPagination

The "dirPagination" directive in AngularJS serves as a custom directive that offers an easy method to incorporate pagination features into your application, enabling you to effortlessly show a portion of a sizable data set on a page with controls for navigating across various pages. Its main benefit is that it effortlessly works with the native "ng-repeat" directive, allowing easy addition of pagination to current data lists while preserving recognizable syntax and functionality. 

Key advantages of using dirPagination:

• Easy integration with ng-repeat
• Minimal code change
• Server-side pagination support
• Multiple pagination instances

To execute pagination with dirPagination in an AngularJS app, you can adhere to the steps listed below.

Step 1: Install angular-datatables and dirPagination

If it’s not already installed, you must add the dirPagination module. You can add it through a CDN or set it up as a dependency using npm

Using a CDN

Add this script to your index.html file:

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/angular-utils-pagination/0.11.1/dirPagination.js"></script>

Using npm

Run the following command to install the angular-utils-pagination package:

npm install angular-utils-pagination --save

Then, include it in your module as follows:

angular.module('app', ['dirPagination']);

Step 2: Set Up the HTML Template

In your HTML file, you can create a table or list and then implement pagination using the dir-paginate directive. For example:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html ng-app="app">
<head>
    <title>Pagination Example</title>
    <script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/angularjs/1.8.2/angular.min.js"></script>
    <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/angular-utils-pagination/0.11.1/dirPagination.js"></script>
    <script src="app.js"></script> <!-- Your AngularJS App -->
</head>
<body>
    <div ng-controller="PaginationCtrl">
        <table>
            <thead>
                <tr>
                    <th>Name</th>
                    <th>Age</th>
                    <th>Location</th>
                </tr>
            </thead>
            <tbody>
                <tr dir-paginate="item in items | itemsPerPage: itemsPerPage" current-page="currentPage">
                    <td>{{ item.name }}</td>
                    <td>{{ item.age }}</td>
                    <td>{{ item.location }}</td>
                </tr>
            </tbody>
        </table>

        <!-- Pagination Controls -->
        <div class="pagination">
            <dir-pagination-controls
                max-size="maxSize"
                direction-links="true"
                boundary-links="true">
            </dir-pagination-controls>
        </div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>

Step 3: AngularJS Controller

In your app.js file, create a controller along with a few example data points. The information will be divided into pages, and we will specify the number of items on each page along with the active page.

angular.module('app', ['dirPagination'])
    .controller('PaginationCtrl', function($scope) {
        $scope.items = [
            { name: 'John', age: 25, location: 'New York' },
            { name: 'Jane', age: 30, location: 'Los Angeles' },
            { name: 'Paul', age: 22, location: 'Chicago' },
            { name: 'Kate', age: 29, location: 'San Francisco' },
            { name: 'Lucy', age: 35, location: 'Boston' },
            { name: 'Mike', age: 27, location: 'Miami' },
            { name: 'Liam', age: 28, location: 'Austin' },
            { name: 'Olivia', age: 32, location: 'Seattle' },
            { name: 'Mason', age: 24, location: 'Denver' },
            { name: 'Emma', age: 31, location: 'Portland' },
            { name: 'James', age: 26, location: 'Chicago' },
            { name: 'Sophia', age: 34, location: 'Dallas' },
            { name: 'Jack', age: 21, location: 'Houston' },
            { name: 'Ava', age: 33, location: 'San Diego' }
        ];

        // Pagination settings
        $scope.itemsPerPage = 5;  // Number of items per page
        $scope.currentPage = 1;   // Default current page
        $scope.maxSize = 5;       // Number of page links to display in pagination controls
    });

Step 4: Add Styles

You can implement custom CSS for pagination, or utilize a library like Bootstrap. To incorporate Bootstrap, you can add it using a CDN:

<linkrel="stylesheet" ref="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.3.7/css/bootstrap.min.css">

If you want to style your pagination controls using Bootstrap, the dirPaginationControls will function seamlessly with it.

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Best Practices for Pagination in AngularJS

Pagination in AngularJS is a widely used method to divide extensive datasets into smaller, more manageable sections, enhancing the application’s performance and usability. Here are several effective techniques for applying pagination in AngularJS:

• Utilize ng-repeat with Limit

AngularJS offers the ng-repeat directive, which can be utilized alongside the limitTo filter for basic pagination. This method works well for lesser datasets.

• Dynamically Calculate Pages

The calculation of page numbers should be done dynamically through a combination of total items and items per page. The pagination system operates based on dynamic data adjustments to the dataset.

• Utilize a Pagination Element

You may construct a new pagination element from scratch or select one from existing solutions that will automatically handle page navigation. This component displays the current page while also including a navigation system, page-numbered tabs, and next/previous buttons.

• Deferred Load Data

A server-side pagination system functions best when handling extensive datasets because it obtains limited pieces of data for existing page choices. The system delivers enhanced performance because the data retrieval process becomes easier for servers and clients alike.

The API endpoint should allow the specification of page numbers alongside item limits so it can furnish relevant data blocks when requested.

• Implement Caching

Stable datasets should receive information storage as a method to eliminate server query repetition. You have two options to handle local browser data storage either by applying browser-based saving logic or implementing a caching library system.

• Show Loading Indicators

When retrieving data, particularly in server-side pagination, it’s crucial to give feedback to the user. Utilize loading symbols like spinners or progress bars to show that the data is currently being loaded.

• Restrict the Quantity of Pages Shown

Showing numerous pages can lead to a messy UI. You can restrict the number of page links displayed at a time, using "next" and "previous" buttons to move between sets of pages.

• Guarantee Accessibility

Make certain that the pagination controls are accessible via keyboard and screen readers. Employ suitable ARIA roles for buttons used in page navigation.

• Manage Edge Instances

Make sure to address edge cases, including:

1.  Visiting a page that isn't available.
2.  Correctly refreshing the page when the item count changes.

• Assessment for Efficiency

When applying pagination, particularly with extensive datasets, it's essential to evaluate the performance to guarantee that your method functions effectively under significant strain. Enhance API requests, caching methods, and rendering practices as needed.

Also Read: AngularJS for Web Development: Top 10 Compelling Reasons

How upGrad Can Help You Master AngularJS and Web Development

The online courses offered by UpGrad enable AngularJS and web development with practical work and industry-appropriate teaching and mentor support.  Also, they guide you on how to implement pagination in AngularJS for career advancement and AngularJS fundamentals. While teaching application development leading to full web developer skills across all experience levels.

Here are some courses that can be explored:

• Master of Design in User Experience

• Professional Certificate Program in UI/UX Design & Design Thinking

• AI-Powered Full Stack Development Course by IIITB

• Full Stack Development Bootcamp - Essential

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