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How can I select an element by name with jQuery?

javascript
jquery
selectors
web-development
Nikita BarsukovbyNikita Barsukov·Aug 7, 2024
TLDR

Here's the immediate solution: select elements with a specific name attribute in jQuery using the following pattern:

$('element[name="yada_yada"]')

So, for an input element fondly named "user":

$('input[name="user"]')

This code snippet zooms in on input elements named "user". Faster than a cheetah.

Fine-tuning your selectors

Let's elevate your jQuery selection skills by introducing advanced attribute selection techniques.

Starting with a bang... or a caret

Target elements whose name starts with a certain string:

$('input[name^="part"]') // Matches inputs with names that kick off with "part". The caret starts the party!

The grand finale: dollaring at the end

When your elements' name attribute ends with a specific string:

$('input[name$="tail"]') // Selects all inputs where the name ends with a "tail". The dollar marks the grand finale!

Find your piece of the pie

To pick out elements that have a name attribute containing a specific substring:

$('input[name*="slice"]') // Matches inputs where "slice" is anywhere in the name. The asterisk, your magic wand!

Always right (HTML) on target

Ensure you've got the correct HTML element (like <td> instead of input) in your sights. Missing the target equals a misfire.

Visibility control to Major Tom

If something is not needed, .hide() it. If it's needed, .show() it. And if you're feeling moody, use $().toggle().

Iterate to iterate

Utilize .each() to perform actions on every element in the lineup. Inside .each(), things like this.value or this.checked are your worker bees.

Debug or be bug-ridden

When in doubt, .console.log(). This way, you verify you're on the right path, like breadcrumbs in the deep dark programming woods.

Be the jQuery Ninja

In the journey to mastering jQuery selection, knowing the do's and watch-outs is half the battle won.

jQuery: Join the club

Include jQuery on your page. If you're trying to conduct the orchestra without the conductor, this <script> helps:

<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.1/jquery.min.js"></script>

Element content: Handle with care

For element content, .text() or .html() are your keys. .val() is the bouncer who won't let you in.

Stay classy

Assign classes to elements for easy selection. It's like having an exclusive VIP tag for your element friends.

Buttons: Your puppet master

Bind JavaScript functions to button clicks for a puppet show (but in a good, non-creepy way).

It's a small (or big) world after all

Ensure your script responds to different device sizes. One size doesn't fit all, after all!