ResourceList shows nothing when empty

[AKarmanov]

Issue summary

If I have an empty array fed to resource list I see nothing.

Expected behavior

I suspect it should show some kind of empty message and keep header displayed to allow filtering etc. after all I do specify resource name so something like "Couldn't find resourceName.plural" or something like that would be appropriate.

Actual behavior

As soon as items becomes [] (an empty array) everything disappears.

Steps to reproduce the problem

1. Go here https://codesandbox.io/s/236qy68230?module=App.js
2. Set items to []
3. Observe everything disappear

Specifications

• Are you using the React components? (Y/N):Y
• Polaris version number: 3.9.0
• Browser: Chrome
• Device: Desktop
• Operating System: Ubuntu

[dleroux]

Thanks for bringing this up @AKarmanov. We do take this into consideration when there's filtering https://codesandbox.io/s/qkxk9j5z8w?fontsize=14 but not when there isn't. As you can see we do use the resource name in that scenario. The reasoning is that without filtering the list only renders/updates on initial load and the developer can handle rendering the list or not based on the results. Is there a usecase where that may not be the case?

Let me ping a few designers for thoughts on this as well: @sarahill @ry5n

[AKarmanov]

In my case I was planning on using an "alternateTool" to provide custom options for the list, I can technically move it out or try to use a filter (which has search field which I don't need).

I think that ignoring presence of the list is a bit harsh though. The user doesn't know that there is a list in that area and if I have other components, say a pagination component right below it is still visible, unless I hide it that is. These are my thoughts.

[dleroux]

👍 I agree with you that showing nothing at all may be confusing. Not sure the current empty search image we have would be appropriate in this case scenario. I'll let others way in a well, but it's probably best we do output something because outputting something custom will still be possible.

This issue has been inactive for 180 days and labeled with Icebox. It will be closed in 7 days if there is no further activity.

[chloerice]

Gonna link this to the new empty state work => #1570