Materialize CSS - Select Doesn't Seem to Render

Initialization required: No entry without a ticket

For the Materialize CSS carnival ride to start, you must initialize the components. This applies to select elements too. Initialization here is the rite of passage; no select can be glorious without it:

// jQuery mode
$(document).ready(function(){
    $('select').formSelect();
});

// Plain Vanilla JavaScript mode (if jQuery isn't your jam)
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    M.FormSelect.init(document.querySelectorAll('select'));
});
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Tackling dynamic content: It's morphing time!

Your select elements are as dynamic as an acrobat? Initialize them as they tumble in to keep the party going:

// Let's assume newSelect is a freshly spawned dynamic select element
var instance = M.FormSelect.init(newSelect);
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This makes sure the new selects fit right in with the rest of the decked up Materialize theme.

Fallback option: Going rogue with no JavaScript

If you enjoy breaking rules and want to use select without JS, add the "browser-default" class to get default styling:

<select class="browser-default">
    ...
</select>
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This is your lifeboat when JavaScript becomes more of a titanic problem, especially with dynamic content.

Pitfalls and emergency exits

Even after wearing your best suit (initializing properly), some issues might kick you. Let's tackle them head-on:

• Check if your select has a proper structure. Materialize is a bit picky about its meal (DOM patterns).
• Life's tough when you've rolling dynamic content. Remember to rearm the trap (re-initialize select) after the content update.
• Ensure all Select components have popped up before calling the script. Otherwise, it's like playing pranks on someone who's not home.

Beyond basic setups: Let's go pro!

Browser friend or foe?

Always keep a check on browser compatibility before you develop a code crush. Materialize has its own list of crushes (supported browsers). Find out if yours is on that list to avoid the heartbreak.

Rock that wave effect

Want to rock that "hello world" button with a wave effect? Initialize it:

// Don't forget to initialize wave effect for buttons
Waves.displayEffect(); // It's like the genie in a lamp, works only when awakened!
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Alternatives to jQuery (Yes, they exist!)

It's okay if you and jQuery aren't dating. Vanilla JavaScript is equally charming. Consider using it to initialize the select element to reduce dependencies and complications:

// Vanilla JS is the new age old school simple charm!
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
    M.FormSelect.init(document.querySelectorAll('select'));
});
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Dress to impress: Advanced customizations

If you wish to serve style, beyond the off-the-shelf Materialize offers, SASS files are your personal stylist. Use them to impart your unique touch:

// A snippet to foreshadow how SASS lets you design your diva touch
.select-dropdown li {
    color: $my-unique-color;
}
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