How to get value entered in search box In Datatables

Question

How to get value entered in search box In Datatables. Is there a way to get value entered in search box in Data Tables?

Answer 1

If you just want to check the value when a search is performed [dataTables 1.10.x] :

var table = $('#example').DataTable();

$('#example').on('search.dt', function() {
    var value = $('.dataTables_filter input').val();
    console.log(value); // <-- the value
}); 

if you want to check the value before the search, and be able to cancel the search, you must unbind the default searchbox event and create your own, like this - search only when the user has entered more than 3 characters :

$('.dataTables_filter input').unbind().keyup(function() {
    var value = $(this).val();
    if (value.length>3) {
        table.search(value).draw();
    } 
});

demo -> http://jsfiddle.net/pb0632c3/

To reset the search / filter completely, like if the user has deleted the search term :

if (value.length==0) table.search('').draw();