Chat GPT-generated DataTables Configs – Helpful or Risky in Production?

charlesrhoward

Hi all,

I’ve been experimenting with using ChatGPT to generate more complex DataTables configurations – for example combining serverSide, rowGroup, responsive, and buttons. It often gives me a working base really fast, especially when I don’t want to comb through the docs for every option.

But I’ve noticed something: sometimes it uses outdated syntax, or omits edge-case settings that cause issues when used in production (like incorrect ajax structure, or missing columns.render functions when needed).

So I'm curious:
- Has anyone here tried using ChatGPT (or other LLMs) to generate or validate their DataTables setup?
- Do you trust those outputs in production code?
- Are there particular config areas where AI-generated code tends to fail or mislead?

Would love to hear your experiences — especially if you've seen ChatGPT give bad advice that looked fine at first glance.

Thanks!

allan

I know plenty of people are using it to help them configure their DataTables config, so yes, without question there are people out there using such code in production.

The flip side is that I've also seen questions where it has generated nonsense - there was one case where someone insisted a method must exist because ChatGPT said it did (it didn't and never had).

It is a tool like any other - you need to understand it and its limitations. If you use it to generate code, personally, I think that it then needs to be reviewed so that you understand what it is doing, and why it is doing it.

It is somewhat ironic that humans are ending up code reviewing computer generated code... .

Allan

charlesrhoward

Thanks, @Allan – totally agree.

I’ve also seen ChatGPT generate code that looks reasonable at first glance but breaks when you actually try to combine features like rowGroup with serverSide or when using custom rendering callbacks. It’s definitely helpful as a starting point, but as you said – you really need to understand and review what it’s doing.

I like your point about humans reviewing AI-generated code – it’s funny but also kind of necessary right now.

have you seen any particular recurring mistakes that AI tends to make when generating DataTables config?

allan

No patterns that I can really think of I'm afraid. I'll ponder that further and post back if I think of any.

Allan