function

Javascript Function.

Description

Functions are a key component of any programming language, particularly in Javascript which treats functions as first class objects. Functions are created using the construct function () {}, function name () {} or new Function().

A detailed description of the Function type is available on the Mozilla Developer Network.

Use in DataTables

Where a parameter is shown as accepting a function type, or a method returning a function type, it indicates that a function can be passed in (be it as a function assigned to a variable, or an anonymous function) / returned.

Functions in DataTables are frequently used for callbacks. For example, using an anonymous function which is executed whenever DataTables performs a draw action (drawCallback):

new DataTable('#myTable', {
    drawCallback: function () {
        console.log( 'Table redrawn '+new Date() );
    }
} );

Same example assigning the function to a variable:

var draw = function () {
    console.log( 'Table redrawn '+new Date() );
};

new DataTable('#myTable', {
    drawCallback: draw
} );

And finally, the same example using a named function:

function draw () {
    console.log( 'Table redrawn '+new Date() );
};

new DataTable('#myTable', {
    drawCallback: draw
} );