How to get the background color of an HTML element?

Decoding Computed Styles

When we talk about computed styles, we're referring to the final determined values of an element's CSS properties. It's the last cheerleader in the CSS cascade. With getComputedStyle(), we're digging into the treasure chest where all CSS sources coincide.

Targeting Inline Styles Only

Occasionally, you're dealing with color defined inline, directly on the HTML element:

let bgColor = document.getElementById('myElement').style.backgroundColor;
// Eureka! But only if the backgroundColor is set inline
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This approach delivers inline styles purely, useful for a quick peek or element manipulation.

Correct CSS Property Syntax

In JavaScript, CSS properties with hyphens must adopt camelCase. No moustache for JavaScript!

let bgColor = getComputedStyle(document.getElementById('myElement')).backgroundColor;  // It's spelling bee champion "backgroundColor" not "background-color"
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It's paramount to capitalize accurately in JavaScript to get the CSS property you're seeking.

Library Power

For users of libraries like jQuery or Prototype, styles can be retrieved more smoothly:

let bgColor = jQuery('#myElement').css("background-color");  // jQuery lovers unite!
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Or with Prototype:

let bgColor = $('myElement').getStyle('backgroundColor');  // Prototypically yours!
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Libraries often simplify syntax through single function calls, leaving browser-specific quirks in the dust.

Guidelines for Effective Usage

• Stow away color value in a variable for future usage. It doesn't bite!
• Mind that getComputedStyle is the universal key, unlike element.style.
• CSS properties in JavaScript demand correct camelCase. They're a bit snobbish!
• Bear in mind all possible style sources when extracting an element's background color.

Diving into the getComputedStyle

The getComputedStyle() method is our homing pigeon, always finding the true CSS values. Let's decode this enigma:

getComputedStyle in Action

• Plays nice with dynamic styles set by JavaScript.
• Recognizes browser-specific quirks and styles.
• Fetches expressive color values: whether it's RGB, RGBA, or hex—whatever is computed.

Possible Trip-Ups

• Returned values may not always match the assigned stylesheet format (e.g., RGB vs. hex).
• The method requires the element to be in the DOM (hidden items can pull a disappearing act!).

Advanced Play

Consider how specificity or !important overrides may impact the computed style:

let priorityColor = getComputedStyle(document.getElementById('myElement'), null).getPropertyValue('background-color', 'important');
// When things get !important
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This is your CSS priority flashlight, helping identify hidden priority battles!