What is the difference between require() and getScripts()?

[E3V3A]

I’ve been trying to implement the jquery dependent package (Tabulator) on my mirror. What it does is, convert JSON data into a nice dynamic HTML table.

In the working HTML version, I just the script tag, to include everything, but in a Node MMM, we can either use require("blablah") in the node_helper.js file, or use getScripts("blablah.js") in the MMM-MyModule.js file.

1. What is the difference?
2. When to use what?

Right now I’m using the 2nd option, and it loads, but the table is never shown… I’m thinking I’m missing something.

[ninjabreadman]

@E3V3A

require() is for when you mean “I’m going to use this code somewhere else in this script I am writing right now” — i.e. somewhere on the server-side.

getScripts() is for when you mean “my client-facing/browser code will need this loaded to perform some operation” — i.e. somewhere on the client-side.

(As always, this is what I understand and hope someone will correct me if I’m wrong.)

[E3V3A]

@ninjabreadman Aah! Finally. Thank you. That is the most sensible explanation I’ve seen.
(If you’re a moderator, please mark this as closed/solved.)

[cowboysdude]

Well you really shouldn’t mark this as closed or solved because I’m sure others will have questions too :)

It’s a GREAT explanation… and it’s also a GREAT question!!! I’m sure others have wondered and I know people don’t usually ask for fear they’ll look ‘not smart’…but NO question is a dumb question!!

The worst question in history? The one that never got asked! :)

[Mykle1]

@cowboysdude said in What is the difference between require() and getScripts()?:

I know people don’t usually ask for fear they’ll look ‘not smart’

I don’t have this problem. ;-)

[cowboysdude]

@Mykle1 said in What is the difference between require() and getScripts()?:

@cowboysdude said in What is the difference between require() and getScripts()?:

I know people don’t usually ask for fear they’ll look ‘not smart’

I don’t have this problem. ;-)

Which one? Asking or not being smart LOL

[Mykle1]

@cowboysdude

Both? ;-)