Adding attribute in jQuery

javascript

jquery

attributes

selectors

byAnton Shumikhin·Aug 17, 2024

To swiftly add an attribute to an HTML element using jQuery, we leverage the .attr() method as follows:

$('.selector').attr('new-attr', 'value');

Here, replace '.selector' with your target element's category or ID, 'new-attr' with your desired attribute's name, and 'value' with the value you want to assign. This results in the immediate addition or modification of the attribute.

`.attr()` vs `.prop()`: Choose wisely

Understand the distinct roles played by .attr() and .prop() in handling HTML:

.attr(): Alters the HTML attribute of an element—ideal for setting non-boolean attributes like title, href, or alt.
.prop(): Modifies the DOM property of an element—best for boolean properties such as checked, disabled, and readonly.

// A big 'tick' for using `.prop()` for boolean properties
$('#checkbox').prop('checked', true); // "I'm a checkbox, and I approve this message!"

// "Nice link bro!" - Use `.attr()` for non-boolean attributes
$('#link').attr('href', 'https://www.example.com');

Starting from jQuery v1.6 onwards, .prop() is your go-to method for handling boolean attributes.

Aiming sharp: jQuery selectors

To write clean and efficient jQuery code, be a sharpshooter with your selectors, targeting only the required elements:

ID Selectors: Use $('#someid') to pinpoint a specific element.
Class Selectors: Use $('.someclass') to target all elements of a certain class.
Attribute Selectors: Use $('[attr="value"]') to locate elements with specific attribute values.

// Target practice with selectors - Bullseye!
$('#button').prop('disabled', true); // "Nobody can press me now. I'm on vacation!"

Right element selection limits your attribute changes to the intended elements, avoiding any "friendly fire".

The boolean nightmare: Keep calm and use `.prop()`

When setting boolean attributes such as disabled, stay calm and use the .prop() method to maintain your code's integrity:

// Correct usage - The attribute whisperer
$('#someid').prop('disabled', true); 

// "Hold my beer" - Leave boolean attributes to `.prop()`
$('#someid').attr('disabled', 'disabled');

Avoid using .removeProp() to set a property to false. Its "Destroyer of Worlds" attitude can strip an element of its native properties, wreaking havoc on your code.

Unleashing `.removeAttr()` and mastering quotation marks

To remove an attribute from an element and revert it to its default state, make use of the .removeAttr() weapon in your jQuery arsenal.

// "Avada Kedavra!" - Vanishing act with `.removeAttr()`
$('#someid').removeAttr('disabled');

The .attr() method loves some punctuation showmanship. Always encase values in quotes for proper assignment.

// 'Quote' me on this - Use quotes with `.attr()`
$('#someid').attr('title', 'A breathtaking title');

Troubleshooting hacks

Keep these lifesavers handy for common issues:

Caching Selectors: Store jQuery selectors in variables for multiple uses. Your website will thank you for the speed boost.
```
var $someElement = $('#someid');
$someElement.attr('disabled', 'disabled'); // "Reusability is my middle name!"
```

Chainability: jQuery methods love to hold hands. You can set multiple attributes in one go without breaking the chain:

// "Let's chain them all!"
$('#someid')
  .attr('title', 'The mighty title') // "Behold my awesomeness!"
  .attr('aria-label', 'A fabulous description here'); // "Hear me roar!"