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Conditional HTML Attributes using Razor

html
prompt-engineering
best-practices
responsive-design
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Nov 11, 2024
TLDR

With Razor's inline expressions, you can easily handle conditional HTML attributes using ternary operators. The syntax stays compact and your markup remains clean. Here's a simple example of a class attribute dependent on a condition:

<div class="@Model.IsActive ? "active" : """>Content.</div>

As follows, the active class gets added only if Model.IsActive equals to true. Save your lines of code for something more complex!

Efficient handling of nulls in Razor 2

Null or empty attributes do not render in Razor 2 (Web Pages 2 and MVC 4), providing a seamless logic for attribute handling. So, you can use assigned variables inline:

<div class="@strCSSClass">Content</div>

Here, if strCSSClass is null or empty, the class attribute disappears quicker than cookies at a dev meet.

Dynamic attribute dictionaries for the win

For extra flexibility and many conditions, you can create dynamic attribute dictionaries with HTML helper methods. Observe the following example:

var htmlAttributes = new Dictionary<string, object> { { "class", condition1 ? "class1" : null }, { "data-role", condition2 ? "role" : null } };

These come into play with HTML helpers:

@Html.TextBoxFor(m => m.Name, htmlAttributes)

In this scenario, attributes with null values will be omitted. Just like diet calories during the holidays.

Making ternary nesting tidy

Handling attribute rendering for complicated logic becomes precise and easy with nested ternary operations. Here's how:

<div class="@(condition1 ? "class1" : (condition2 ? "class2" : "class3"))">Content</div>

Remember to indent your nested ternaries for readability. It's like peeling an onion, but less tearful.

Razor sharp security practices

Razor attributes can throw a serious punch when it comes to security. Avoid @Html.Raw() with user data to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Razor's encoding methods safely render user input. It's like a baby gate for your HTML.

Efficient attribute conditions

Make your attribute conditions efficient by organizing them with models or helper methods. This reduces redundancy and enhances readability. It's like cleaning your code's bedroom.

Conditional attributes in loops

Within loops, conditional attributes shine for efficiently outputting varied markup:

@foreach (var item in Model.Items) { <div class="@((item.IsSelected) ? "selected" : "")"> @item.Name // "Hey, you're the chosen one!" </div> }

This tip works wonders with lists or tables for easy and varied attribute application. Now that's what I call a loop-de-loop.

Awareness of MVC versions

Conditional attributes can behave differently across MVC versions. Always test your code across all the versions you support. It's like trying on clothes before buying, to make sure they still fit.