I use the filter area constantly, usually without enabling the "f" setting (e.g. I roll my own). An nFilter node would simplify my code. Also great would be enabling the creation of the filter area without an auto-filter box.
Here's my workaround, if you're interested:
Here's my workaround, if you're interested:
$.fn.dataTableExt.oApi.fnGetFilterArea = function (oSettings) { var oFilters = $(oSettings.nTableWrapper).children("." + oSettings.oClasses.sFilter); if (oFilters.length === 0) { var nFilter = $("<div />", { 'class': oSettings.oClasses.sFilter, 'id': oSettings.sTableId + '_filter' }).prependTo(oSettings.nTableWrapper); return nFilter[0]; } else { return oFilters[0]; } }