Optimizing Performance: Single vs. Multiple Virtual Columns in Detail Views

[Derick_Paula]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out for a discussion on a challenge I'm facing while refactoring an app I've been working on for over three years. The app has extensive documentation spanning more than 3000 pages.

Currently, I'm considering refactoring the detail view of farm units. Initially, the entire detail view is managed within a single virtual column (VC) utilizing Rich Text Formatting. I'm contemplating splitting this into multiple VCs to better leverage the card view and optimize the available space.

However, I'm concerned about the potential performance impact this change might have, given that the app will need to load multiple VCs instead of a single one.

Do you believe this will significantly affect performance? Also, what best practices would you recommend for developing and maintaining a long-term app?

Looking forward to your insights and suggestions.

Thank you!

[Marc_Dillon]

Holy cow. Did you not get the memo that Appsheet is meant for building a suite of small apps for specific functions, not a single large app?

But no, I would not expect any major performance difference for calculating 2 VCs instead of 1 if it's just doing the same thing.

[Derick_Paula]

I know, but this platform has allowed me to create an amazing app for my team and I. We manage thousands of farmers and more than ten thousand farms and their harvests, and a lot of processes have been automated / simplified using this app.

[MultiTech]

What memo is this? All the experience I've ever had has taught me the exact opposite.

One app to rule them all is the way to go. 💪

It's all about references and efficiency, as long as everything is built correctly you can build incredibly complex systems all in one - covering every aspect of the business, where each player can serve their role inside the same system.

But.... It can take a lot to build a system like this, and to maintain it for longevity and scale means that you have to have a firm grasp on how to work effectively with AppSheet. Starting out with smaller simpler apps, while detrimental in the long run, can get you started much faster.

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In regards to your question @Derick_Paula  about splitting your one VC into two VCS...

Depending on what you put inside the new vc, you might be okay. If you put some heavy brute Force type of formula inside there, you're going to have a problem. But if you're continuing with what you've already got going on, with another Rich text type display column, you will likely be just fine.