Should you show a grid if it's empty?

Question

We're in the process of developing a new desktop application for a customer which currently uses about 20 or so grids on various forms throughout the application.

I don't think the context of our application is that relevant, but just to give the full picture the customer sells vehicles and the content of the grid tends to be things like 'Vehicle Inspections' or 'Repairs on this Vehicle'.

The developers are pretty much split between showing an empty grid if there's no data or alternatively hiding the grid and putting some text saying 'No inspections for this vehicle', etc.

What is the best practice? Empty grid or text?

Answer 1

Better to show the grid headers and under that place a label indicating "No records".

Answer 2

I would show text or preferably do both

If you are using C# ASP.NET, the Gridview has an EmptyDataText Property that shows an item that looks like a Grid but it displays your message

The only bad thing about showing an empty Grid is that some people who look at the data may not understand that the page has completely loaded and that there are no results. Therefore, it is better to be safe and give them a message.