Jquery .html() vs .append()

Breakdown of .html()

When you utilize .html(), it effectively creates a temporary intermediary element and sets its innerHTML to the HTML string passed as a parameter then moves the nodes over to a different document fragment. So it's like giving a completely new makeover to your selected element, be it a <div>, <p>, or <img> – you name it.

$("#myElement").html("<span>Don the new attire!</span>"); // Party time? Change clothes!
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Breakdown of .append()

On the other hand, .append() doesn't care what your selected element is wearing. It simply adds to it, like throwing a scarf on a jacket. So, if you need to add elements without deleting the existing content, .append() comes to your rescue:

$("#myElement").append("<span>And a scarf for style!</span>"); // When in doubt, accessorize!
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Best of both worlds: .html() -> .empty().append()

A method equivalent to .html() when your target is an empty <div> is .empty().append(), which first pauperizes, then enriches the selected element.

$("#myElement").empty().append("<span>Outfit change!</span>"); // Feeling extra? Try a wardrobe reset.
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Aesthetic & maintainable: $('<div/>', {...})

For a neater and maintainable way of creating new elements and adding properties, the $('<div/>', {...}) syntax is your best bet:

$('<div/>', {
    "class": "myDiv",
    text: "Maintain Reading comfort"
}).appendTo("#myElement"); // Style and substance!
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Beyond the basics: .appendTo()

In cases where readability is key, .appendTo() can offer better readability over .append(). It's the same method, just looked at from the other end of the telescope!

$("<span>Adding style!</span>").appendTo("#myElement"); // Sometimes you just need a better perspective.
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Watch out for performance potholes

jQuery performs a lot of checks and balances under the hood, like in the manipulation.js file, to ensure cross-browser compatibility and optimized performance. An important thing to note is avoiding creation of redundant jQuery objects for the same element within a single function. Do you check your fridge twice when you know it’s empty?

Toggle visibility with .hide()

If your element can appear and disappear frequently, consider using the .hide() method.

$("#myElement").append("<span>Hide-n-seek champion!</span>").hide(); // Now you see me, now you don't!
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This allows you to quickly toggle the visibility of your elements that were previously appended without re-creating them.

Choose wisely: .html() or .append()

Before you get down to implementing .html() or .append(), pause for a second, take a deep breath, and ask yourself:

• Do I need to replace the content (.html()) or add to the content (.append())?
• Do I plan to show or hide the appended content repeatedly?
• Does my application require readability over performance?

The answers to these questions will guide you to choose the right method for your specific scenario. So, make your choice carefully – because with great power, comes great responsibility!