javascript - jQuery DataTables Ajax Data Source -

i find documentation datatables when using ajax data source limited. i've got method in controller in asp.net mvc 4 application returns simple json result, , i'm trying fill datatable following:

$.ajax({     type: "get",     datatype: "json",     contenttype: "application/json",     url: "/chart/ajax",     success: function (data) {         var returndata = [];         (var = 0; < data.length; i++) {             //makes data array of arrays             returndata.push($.makearray(data[i]));         }         $('#secondary').datatable({             "aadata": returndata,             "aocolumns": [                 { "stitle": "drugclass" },                 { "stitle": "drugclasssize" },                 { "stitle": "distinctpatients" },             ]         });     } }); 

ideally, wouldn't create table element until success callback had fired, in instance empty table element on page. following code error: uncaught typeerror: object [object object] has no method 'datatable' thing is, have different datatable on page , works fine. script @ bottom of page, after working data table. why getting error , what's easy way datatables play nice ajax data sources?

it seems though putting initialisation of datatable in success of ajax call, , need set other way round i.e initialise datatable , set correct options , plugin take care of rest.

you have controller action returns json result, need set sajaxsource url, in case: "sajaxsource": "/chart/ajax".

you going in success of ajax call , set function fnserverdata option, shown below:

$('#secondary').datatable( {     "bprocessing": true,     "bserverside": true,     "sajaxsource": "/chart/ajax",     "fnserverdata": function ( ssource, aodata, fncallback ) {          var returndata = [];         (var = 0; < aodata.length; i++) {         //makes data array of arrays         returndata.push($.makearray(aodata[i]));        }          $.getjson( ssource, returndata , function (json) {              /* whatever additional processing want on callback,             tell datatables */             fncallback(json)         } );     } } ); 

the fncallback send json datatable in view.

more information here , here.