Sorting columns in jqgrid can be done by clicking on the column header, with the ability to set a default sort order upon loading. Icons for sorting are specified using:
$grid.jqGrid({
viewsortcols: [false,'vertical',true],
The sort icon and direction are displayed after the column caption. However, if the column width is smaller than its caption, the sort icon may not be visible.
A challenge arises in determining whether a column is sorted and the sort direction. How can this issue be addressed so that sorting indicators are shown even for narrow columns? Is it feasible to position the sort icon before the caption or use other visual cues like underlining, color, or bold font to provide feedback to users?
An answer provided on how to underline sorted column headers in jqgrid demonstrates how underlining or changing the header background can be utilized.
Another answer found on jqgrid, setting background color on column cells when column header is clicked illustrates how to modify the column background during sorting.
Both solutions involve additional JavaScript and CSS styles. Is this the recommended approach in free-jqgrid, or is there an alternative built-in option available?