Hey there, let's fix that DataTable is not defined error you're seeing. The core issue here is that you're probably using the jQuery-dependent version of DataTables, but you want the vanilla JavaScript build instead. Here's how to get it working properly:

Step 1: Load the Correct Vanilla JS DataTables Resources #

First, make sure you're including the non-jQuery DataTables files in your HTML. Skip the jquery.dataTables.min.js file entirely—instead use the standalone vanilla version:

<!-- DataTables CSS -->
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn.datatables.net/1.13.7/css/dataTables.dataTables.min.css">
<!-- Vanilla JS DataTables (no jQuery required) -->
<script src="https://cdn.datatables.net/1.13.7/js/dataTables.min.js"></script>

Double-check that you're not accidentally loading jQuery anywhere else if you truly want a jQuery-free setup, but even if you do, the vanilla build will still work without relying on it.

Step 2: Verify Your Table Structure #

DataTables requires a properly formatted HTML table to initialize correctly. Make sure your orderDataTemplate renders a table with:

• A <table> tag (with the id="order_information" you're targeting)
• A <thead> section with column headers
• A <tbody> section for your data rows

Example valid structure:

<table id="order_information" class="display">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Product ID</th>
      <th>Name</th>
      <th>Price</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <!-- Your dynamic data rows go here -->
  </tbody>
</table>

Step 3: Tweak Your Initialization Code #

Your current initialization line new DataTable("#order_information"); is correct for the vanilla build, but we can make it more robust and add error handling for edge cases:

(function () {
  const getOrderInformationData = async (container) => {
    try {
      const response = await mdcRequestData("/product/information-table/go2wire");
      
      if (response && response.data.length > 0) {
        container.innerHTML = mdcProcessData(response.data, "orderDataTemplate");
        // Grab the table element directly from the container instead of relying on global ID
        const tableElement = container.querySelector("#order_information");
        
        if (tableElement) {
          new DataTable(tableElement);
        } else {
          container.innerHTML = '<div class="alert alert-danger" role="alert">Error: Table structure missing from template.</div>';
        }
      } else {
        container.innerHTML = '<div class="alert alert-danger" role="alert">No product information was found.</div>';
      }
    } catch (error) {
      console.error("Failed to fetch product data:", error);
      container.innerHTML = '<div class="alert alert-danger" role="alert">Failed to load product information. Please try again later.</div>';
    }
  };

  const orderDataContainer = document.getElementById("order_information");
  if (orderDataContainer) {
    getOrderInformationData(orderDataContainer);
  }
})();

Key Improvements: #

• Added try/catch to handle network errors or failed requests (prevents uncaught promise errors)
• Targets the table element directly from the container instead of using a global ID (safer if there are multiple tables on the page)
• Adds fallback messages for cases where the template doesn't render a valid table

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: #

• Using the wrong JS file: If you load jquery.dataTables.min.js, the DataTable global won't exist—you'd have to use $(selector).DataTable() which requires jQuery. Stick to dataTables.min.js for the vanilla version.
• Invalid table structure: Missing <thead> or <tbody> will cause DataTables to fail silently or throw errors.
• Initializing before the table exists: Your code avoids this by rendering the HTML first, but always double-check that the table is present in the DOM before calling new DataTable().

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者abu abu