dataSource Object|Array|kendo.data.DataSource

The data source of the widget. Can be a JavaScript object which represents a valid data source configuration, a JavaScript array or an existing kendo.data.DataSource instance.

If the dataSource option is set to a JavaScript object or array the widget will initialize a new kendo.data.DataSource instance using that value as data source configuration.

If the dataSource option is an existing kendo.data.DataSource instance the widget will use that instance and will not initialize a new one.

Example - set dataSource as an existing instance

<div id="filter-menu"></div>
<br /><br />
<div id="grid"></div>
<script>
  var data = [
      { name: "Jane Doe", age: 30 },
      { name: "John Doe", age: 33 }
    ];

  var dataSource = new kendo.data.DataSource({
    data: data
  });

  $("#filter-menu").kendoFilterMenu({
    dataSource: dataSource,
    field: "age",
    messages: {
        and: "and",
        or: "or",
        filter: "Apply filter",
        clear: "Clear filter"
    }
  });

  $("#grid").kendoGrid({
    columns: [
      { field: "name" },
      { field: "age" }
    ],
    dataSource: dataSource
  });
</script>