Innertext vs innerHTML vs label vs text vs textContent vs outerText

javascript

performance

best-practices

cross-browser-compatibility

byAnton Shumikhin·Oct 21, 2024

Let's understand the key distinctions in these DOM properties using a concise example:

innerText fetches or sets the visible text, disregarding HTML tags.
innerHTML retrieves or alters the actual HTML content inside an element.
textContent acquires or modifies all text within an element, including script and style tags.

Here's a sample usage:

let elem = document.querySelector('#comicRelief');

// Just the funny text please, no HTML gimmicks
elem.innerText = 'Love is a two-way... HTTP request.';

// Wanna create some HTML laughs? Go for it!
elem.innerHTML = '<b>Coders are comedians in a parallel universe.</b>';

// A friendly reminder: Beware of script tags in your punchlines!
elem.textContent = 'A SQL query walks into a bar, sees two tables and asks... can I join you?';

Concerns around Performance and Security

DOM text manipulation comes with one's fair share of performance and security caveats. textContent is a speed demon and a trustworthy friend in reducing the risk of XSS attacks, making it a fast and secure option for dealing with text. Conversely, use innerHTML with caution—it understands HTML, which could be a party for potential risks if unsanitized.

Cross-browser Compatibility

Browser differences could throw a wrench in your well-crafted code. Survive the cross-browser labyrinth by leaning on jQuery's text() method. By handling the text manipulation nuances, it offers a consistency mint in the varying flavors of browsers.

Reflow: the Performance Tax Collector

Changing the DOM isn't free—a reflow tax may apply. innerText, by considering element styles, triggers a reflow, forcing browsers to recalculate layout. textContent, on the other hand, operates without causing reflow, a resource-friendly move for performance-conscious coders.

Your DOM Toolbox Decoded

Each task demands a specific tool from your DOM toolbox. When dealing with form elements like dropdowns, text, label, and textContent help you capture user selections arts innerText.

The jQuery Way

The $(element).text() method in jQuery differs from using element.text directly. It parses and merges text from matched elements and their descendants, effectively running interference for you.

When to use which property

In this quick guide, we'll cover when and how to use each property:

`innerText` usage

Visual updates: Use when updating just the visible text.
Security-conscious content: Great for displaying user-generated content safely.

`innerHTML` usage

HTML enhancements: Perfect for including HTML tags within your content updates.
Dynamic templates: Ideal for creating custom HTML structures on-the-fly.

`textContent` usage

Complete Content: Retrieves or sets all text content, even script and style elements.
Performance gains: Doesn't trigger reflows, providing a speed boost.

`outerText` and `outerHTML` usage

Element swap: Replaces the whole element with text or a new HTML structure.
Full makeover: Updates the element's content and its surrounding HTML.

jQuery's `text()` considerations

Uniformity: Ensures a consistent experience across different browsers.
Simplicity: Prioritizes ease-of-use and chaining over native DOM API performance.

Working with <select> elements and their <option> children? text and label properties behave differently than textContent, especially when it involves accurate capture of user selections.

Dynamic dropdowns and text handling

Data Bindings: Be mindful when using label and outerText in dynamic dropdown data binding scenarios.
Whitespace Trimming: text and label properties trim extra whitespace, unlike innerText.